GQF 1502 Question

[Runawaylobster]

I just got started with my 1502 but I am having an issue with the hatching tray. I have scoured allover online but can't find any info on this and i really can't believe that nobody else has had this problem.

When the bottom tray makes it's full turn the edge of it goes below the top of the hatching tray. This seems normal and just like the picture. However when the edge moves back up the corner of it catches on the hatching tray, it lifts the tray up slightly and then of course jams the turner because it can't get back past the edge of the tray. Has anyone else had this issue and knows what the problem is?? i'm sure if you have had this issue then you will know exactly what i am talking about.

I mean I can manage fine if I operate without the tray in place but doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose?

 

[Momhunter]

I'm a first timer that just started with my gqf 1502 also. The bottom rack does not touch the hatching tray in mine. I currently have chicken eggs in the hatching tray (first chick hatched about an hour ago) a d quail eggs on the middle rack. There must be something slightly off in your bator. :-(

 

[24to1]

I too have a 1502....No binding whatsoever.

You might check the alignment of the bottom turner see if you can adjust it in any way to avoid contact. Or you could shave the box down a little so the turner has clearance.

If you don't plan on hatching in the hatching tray I would just 86 the whole tray. If you do plan on hatching in the tray, get you some rubber drawer liners or some really small hardware cloth (1/4" or smaller) as that tray is really slick and can hurt the chick (splayed leg?).

Ill tell you one thing though...That incubator rocks! I turned mine on, kept the tray full of water, and that was it! out of 58 fertile eggs all but 1 attempted hatch. Crazy easy!!

Congrats on a fine purchase and good luck with the chicks!

Ron

 

[Runawaylobster]

Thanks for the replies, must be something just with my incubator.

i ran it overnight and there was no binding i am thinking that this happens on manual only. My other thought is that it happened on manual when i had the door open (twice). I guess i will have to play some more with it, but my eggs really need to go in today. worst case i'll deep six the tray until hatch and then turn off the turner for hatch. yes I plan to put down some paper towels in the hatching tray for the chicks.

I will contact the mfg today and ask them about it..


Keep you posted..

 

[Momhunter]

It really seems to be the incubator for beginners. I simply followed the directions and now have 14 of my first eggs hatched. The only issue I've had is the instructions say to not open the door during lockdown. But the water trey needs filling about about every day and a half. I'm going to go ahead and order the water bucket autofil system, tired of worrying about the water evaporating and humidity falling. Other than that couldn't be easier so far.

 

[Runawaylobster]

It really seems to be the incubator for beginners. I simply followed the directions and now have 14 of my first eggs hatched. The only issue I've had is the instructions say to not open the door during lockdown. But the water trey needs filling about about every day and a half. I'm going to go ahead and order the water bucket autofil system, tired of worrying about the water evaporating and humidity falling. Other than that couldn't be easier so far.

Up to now i have been using and LG, and I use a squirt bottle to poke through the holes in the top and fill up the water trays. Even with just the test runs on the 1502 I can see my work load and worry load going down significantely, the LG works but you have to monitor it and baby it constantly. I think it would be quite possible to fill the water tray with a tube and a funnel in the 1502, although I haven't tried that yet.

 

[Runawaylobster]

Eggs just went in. I transferred a batch from the LG that are on Day 8, and added some new ones... So far no more binding let's see
if the tray sticks with eggs in it. I sure hope not... !!

I feel kind of lost there is nothing much to do with this incubator except stare at it!!

 

[R2elk]

It really seems to be the incubator for beginners. I simply followed the directions and now have 14 of my first eggs hatched. The only issue I've had is the instructions say to not open the door during lockdown. But the water trey needs filling about about every day and a half. I'm going to go ahead and order the water bucket autofil system, tired of worrying about the water evaporating and humidity falling. Other than that couldn't be easier so far.

The auto fill system works like a charm. I can't believe all the years that I wasted without the auto fill system. You will really like it.

 

[Runawaylobster]

The auto fill system works like a charm. I can't believe all the years that I wasted without the auto fill system. You will really like it.

I Guess now I have to buy that part then ....

 

[R2elk]

I think it would be quite possible to fill the water tray with a tube and a funnel in the 1502, although I haven't tried that yet.

That is certainly possible. Depending on how skilled you are, it is possible to make the rest of the auto fill system yourself. If your water tray has the float valve already in it the hardest part is already done. If it doesn't, it should be possible to use a float valve designed for a swamp cooler for that part of the project. The remaining parts would be a five gallon bucket with a lid, tubing and parts to make a waterproof connection through the bucket. I believe a 3/8" close nipple (preferably pvc or nylon) should be able to have a hose washer easily slipped over it to act as seals against the bucket sides and then screw a connector on each side of the bucket wall to compress the hose washers to get a waterproof seal. After that make whatever connections on the outside to get to the size tubing adaptor that you need.