HELP with MissPrissy incubator design...what have I done wrong????

[Grey Bird Farm]

Okay so I built my MissPrissy bator yesterday. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8510&p=1

It's a beaut. I have everything nice and done with my correct wiring and my thermostat, fan, etc.

Problem is my thermostat has a 12 degree range. I got the exact one that I see in everbody elses bator. I have it set and it turns off at 107.5 and back on at 95. It seems like other people didn't have such a big window of temps.

I've tried moving the thermostat away from the wall so air can get behind it and that took off 4 degrees (it used to have a 16 degree range!) but the range still seems too big.

I redirected the fan (it's a small desk fan) so that it doesn't blow directly onto the thermostat and that did nothing. I'm using it as a hatcher starting Tuesday so I'm getting a little freaky about solving the problem...

Any insights??? Has this happened to anybody else???

Any ideas?

 

[2txmedics]

there was a thread on this a few days ago, I also wanted to know what to do...as mine would be on, then go off but not come back on....I have to try and find it, and I havent had my first cup of coffee...I got sick so stopped working on it. hold on.

Ok, here is the thread, I hope it helps...I havent had time to read it...and Im off in a bit, just checkin mail and byc....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=234791

 

[jus1jack]

I had the same problem as many have. I drilled a few holes
in mine. Doing so lets the air get to the thermal disk better.

Details on my page

 

[Grey Bird Farm]

jus1jack , Do I need to do the disc adjustment too or can I just drill the holes? Also do you have your Thermostat mounted flush against the side of the bator or is is away from the side?

Also, last question. Where in the bator did u "drill" the air/circulation holes? I've heard, top, mid, and 2-3 inches up from the bottom.

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[Rollins2708]

I built one similar to this and I had to make the light guard taller where I could mount my thermostat to the wire and let it pull heat off the wire to regulate the temp. It still varies from 99.5 to 100.2 not really bad though. I also use a 40 watt light instead of the 25 watt. I have one vent hole on side of bator next to the thermostat and 4 in lid. I leave the one near thermostat open and one on lid the fartherest away from thermostat. It also takes at least one full day to regulate temp.

 

[jus1jack]

Quote:
All you have to do is drill the holes.
As far as the thermostat modification goes I am still testing it in a small box,

as my bator is running with a different setup right now. If you're handy it's not to hard to do the modification. See... https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=26580-thermostat-modification Just make sure you have a good sharp 1/8" drill bit to dirll the two rivets out. Then slide the back cover off & set it aside. Look at the pics to see where to drill the three holes in the housing. Drill slow and steady at a bit of an angle, blow the drill shavings / powder away and reassemble the housing.
This setup in the little box is cycling at + or - 1 degree just setting in the box as you see it. I cant wait to put back in my bator... I think I should be able to mount it anywhere it the bator now. With the three holes in it the switch it cycles much better.

As far as vents go one high and one low oppsite each other works well. On mine I have 2 in the lid ond 1 on the bottom actualy the drain hole in the sink with a flap on it.
Good Luck & keep me posted on how it works out for you.

 

[Grey Bird Farm]

Well, I'm handy at somethings but I think that modification is beyond my normal scope of handiness (without causing major stress that is!)!

Just reading about the thermostat and your adjustment, I've been able to understand more of the cause for my problem and have be able to reposition my thermostat with the back about 1/2 inch from the bulb and it is cyling with about a 1 1/2 to 2 degree cycle for now.

I'm waiting to get my temp exactly right. I've put 4 circulation holes in the sides of the foam but no humidity holes yet since the humidity seems to be holding nicely. I know it will got up with hatching though so I'll add them soon with plugs.

I just need to have it regulated by Tuesday night without drastic (killing) fluctuations! I'll keep you updated on the progress and I'll try to do a pic after my kids are in bed.

 

[jus1jack]

Yea I know what you mean about the major stress.

LOL Been havin my share of that for awhile now. Good thing I like a challange. If you have yours down to a 1 1/2 to 2 degree cycle that's good! Not sure what you mean about humidity holes? The vent holes you have should take care of humidity spikes and allow enough oxygen, or Is that to fill your water tray? A pic would be good. Sounds like it'll work for ya. Good luck!!!