GQF Sportsman Questions--

[matte]

I'm looking at getting the 1202A or 1502. I will be using the one unit as both incubator and hatcher, sometimes having up to three staggered settings in at one time. I have a few questions for experienced owners:
1) They are the same unit with the 1202A $100 cheaper and less sophisticated electronics. I don't mind to pay the extra $100 if there is an increase in accuracy or other advantage other than just the convenience of an LCD display. (I'm guessing the thermostat on the 1502 might be better??) However, in our rural area power "flickers" are common and I'm wondering if the 1502's electronics would be more sensitive/likely to be damaged?
2) Is ordering directly from GQF the way to go? Are there other distributors that sell them cheaper?
3) I know it is designed for continuous/staggered setting and hatching, but is the humidity spike caused by hatching controllable for the remaining setting eggs? It seems like I've read complaints about this in the past.
4) Having only used table-top models in the past, I'm curious how well the Sportsmans are insulated or susceptible to room temp? I might be using it in my basement with temps down to 60 degrees or so.
Thanks for your thoughts---

 

[chopperman66]

I have the 1202A and love it. Had it over 10 years and never once had any problems. It holds the temperature within a few 10ths of a degree. I have added the external water supply so I don't have to worry about running out of water during the incubation process. I just set it and forget it until time to move the eggs down to the hatcher area. I have had the styrofoam types and nothing compares with the 1202A. I have always had excelent hatches due to its reliability.

 

[matte]

Thanks--that sounds great! Have you ever hatched in it while still setting a younger batch?

 

[ga_goat]

I had an older unit a 1200 or before , and had problems with 'batch , staggared " hatches with the humidity on the eggs still incubating and not ready to hatch ,,lost a bunch of them , a seperate hatcher would pay for itself , even an old styrofoam unit
would keep the higher humidity away from eggs not ready yet ,, I was lucky enough to get a 1250 hatcher ,, love it .

 

[matte]

Quote:
That's true, a lot of the time I probably won't be doing settings of over 35 or so at a time. I could still use my 1588 styrofoam as the hatcher on most occasions.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Quote:
www.surehatch.com has the best pricing for the 1502 and 1202A. I've been price-shopping for a 1502 and SureHatch has the best pricing+shipping for me. SureHatch also has very detailed and easy-to-understand descriptions for each incubator.

You may consider getting a Dickey incubator ( www.dickeyincubators.com ). These have gotten very high reviews on BYC. After doing a lot of research, I think I've decided to go with the 1502, just because I've really gotten to like the "thermostatically controlled" feature.

 

[muddyhorse]

I second getting a dickey instead they are awesome. once I set it up about 10 minutes. the temp has not changed in a month. for the first time I had a 100% hatch. plus if you have any issues you can call Mr. Dickey until 10 PM and he will walk you through them.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
I agree. Get a Dickey instead. I have one. Had it for about a month now. Holds the temp steady. I keep it at 100 and its always on 100 or 100.2 when I check it. Its great.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Is it true though that the Dickey is not thermostatically controlled? If it's not thermostatically controlled, then how does it keeps the temps rock-solid?

I know that with my 2362N and 9200s I have to fiddle with the temperature knob quite a lot. The chicks start creating body heat, and so I have to turn the temperature down. And then when they start hatching I need to turn it up. And then when I want to refill the bator after the hatch is done and I've cleaned out the bator, I have to spend 24 hours fiddling with the knob again to get it back where I want it. Whereas with my 1588, all I have to do is plug it in, and walk away.

It also gives me MUCH better hatch rates, for this reason.

The price difference between the Dickey and the 1502 is relatively small, and so not an issue for me. I just want the better incubator. So which one should I get...

Or should I solve this great dilemma by buying one of each, LOL!

No... That would be a lot of chickies!

 

[fishman65]

enie, menie,miney moe. Just pick one. they both have fans. and haters. go by which one has the most room for eggs and hatching. I have friends who have both of them and they are both great. Only drawback is buying so much chick starter. They get addicting and costly. Before you know it you will want and NEED another cabinet. Then the true sickness comes into full swing.