Help please - old round metal incubator wafer replacement

[lizzy14]

Hi everyone, we are about to start our first hatch and I had my father help me replace the wafer on our Sears incubator - similar to the Brower model. I am confused about the adjusting screws and how to install the wafer without compromising the temperature adjustment - the screws are all connected. Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks!
-Liz

 

[WalnutHill]

I've never had the model of incubator you do, but when you replace a wafer you have to readjust the calibration. Each wafer is different, even if rated for the same temperature.

The wafer normally screws onto a long screw threaded through a bracket, and a microswitch is also mounted to the bracket.

There are two different adjustment styles, one that turns the screw attached to the wafer, and the other moves the microswitch relative to the wafer. Whichever style it is, be sure the wafer is securely screwed to its mounting screw, and adjust the adjustable side until the microswitch is off. Then adjust it so that the microswitch just comes on, and let the incubator run until it reaches its set temperature. Adjust again just a tiny amount until you reach the setting that maintains your desired average temperature. Then lock it down, snugly but not too tight.

 

[lizzy14]

Thank you. I don't see a microswitch...what does it look like?

 

[lizzy14]

How do you know when the microswitch is off?

 

[WalnutHill]

Sorry for the delay. The microswitch is positioned right below the wafer, so when the wafer expands, it pushes the tab on the switch and turns the switch off.

You can tell when the switch is off, and the incubator not heating, either with a pilot light or by using an instant read meat thermometer to measure the temperature of the heating element. Be sure your thermometer is safe for 200 degrees.

This might help: http://tinyhomesteaders.com/2013/02/12/dialing-it-in/

 

[lizzy14]

Thanks for your responses. We have realized that we have the wrong sized wafer! I will be calling Rocky Top again today. Any idea what type the Sears model from the 1950s would take?

 

[WalnutHill]

Thanks for your responses. We have realized that we have the wrong sized wafer! I will be calling Rocky Top again today. Any idea what type the Sears model from the 1950s would take?

If the model number tag is still on there, you can reference the Sears parts catalog.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...cts/Brower-Parts/Poultry-farm-equipment-Parts