Franken-bator -- Gutting one of the most common cheapo incubators and upgrading with Incukit

[Redhead Rae]

Got confirmation today, I should have the kits tomorrow!

 

[Redhead Rae]

Franken-bator 1 is complete! Starting a test run now. I decided to do this build as a test run first and I'll write up a tutorial on the second one I do.

I had to do some modifications to get the motor to fit the mount on the original turner and I had to splice in some of the wire from the old turner so I had enough length to lift the lid. It looks like I may lose the space below the turner for eggs, but 55 eggs is better than no eggs.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Good work! Are you going to insulate the bottom?

 

[Redhead Rae]

Good work! Are you going to insulate the bottom?

If you look around the outside of the bottom pic, you can see i have it sitting in it's original packaging.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Hmm.... I'm running into some issues with Franken-bator. Even though it was 80 degrees in the house today, I'm having trouble keeping it above 97.5 degrees even with the styrofoam on the bottom. I have to keep the top of the incubator covered as well to maintain temp. I don't think that if feasible long term. Mainly because the Stryofoam is starting to crumble. I'm looking into other options for a container. However, I need to make sure whatever I get can fit my turner, which is 18" by 18". But I don't want to spend a lot of money on it either.

On the plus side, even with my wire splicing, and modifications, the turner is working!

I'm wondering if I should just build a custom Plywood box with 5 sides and some lexan for the cover.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I think I'm going to the hardware store tomorrow to look for some solutions.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Yeah, I have to figure out how to insulate the Franken-bator better, or build a new box. The instructions say that if the heaters stay on at more than 65% power most of the time, the container is too large or not insulated well enough. I'm going to try insulating better first before giving up on these containers. I have a feeling that I'd have to make something to fit if this doesn't work.

 

[aart]

I'm going to try insulating better first before giving up on these containers.

Very good idea, wrap the thing up in blankets for insulation,
if that doesn't work it might be the size.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I think I'm going to go to Lowes tomorrow and get some Reflective Insulation. It looks like bubble wrap covered in foil. I'm going to make fitted covers for the boxes and see if that helps.

Another thing I plan using it for is for lining huddle boxes for chicks that I've moved out on pasture.

 

[BYC910]

If I was you I would check the thermometer . Before I made a lot of changes . I just came upon your thread . Several points 1 you could have used the turner motor if they were both 120 volts . 2 you could use the heating element that was in the incubator providing it was good as well . 3 incubator temperature should be read at egg top level . I have been burnt some many times by digital thermometers. I don't trust a single one . If you have a hobby lobby close by go there and buy some normal size wooden eggs. They have a flat end . It makes it easy to fasten a thermometer to the wooden egg . Go to walmart and get some of these $3 well spent . Or you can go with the probe type ,they cost a bit more . I use them in my Styrofoam incubators . I just pushed them through the Styrofoam to egg top . The probe type come with calibration instructions .I use them in my old GQF cabinets . When it comes to temperature check check and recheck .