Its raining outside, time to build a new hatcher

[tracecom]

Good explanation. Thanks. Does no one make a solid state electronic thermostat (i.e., no relays)?

 

[muddstopper]

Its not about the relays as much as the sensors. The sensors are made of a semiconductor type of material that changes resistance to electrical currents as the temperature changes around them. In order for the sensors to work, they must be in the area you wish to control the temps in. Here in lies the problem, you can seal the relays, circuits, pcb boards, etc., against moisture, You can even place the entire circuit outside the incubator cabinet, but the sensor must remain in a ever changeing enviroment, subjected to humidity changes which effect the electrical conductivity of the semiconductor material the sensor is made from. I seal my sensors on my thermostats with the liquid rubber insulation, but this also presents its own problems. Coating the sensor or encaseing it to protect it from the elements will slow down the sensors reaction times to the temperature changes. This could make a sensor capable of reacting to a 0.01degree temp swing, act like a sensor that would only react to a 1.0degree temp swing. Of course there are already sensors capable of handleing extreme enviroments and provide accurite readings, but unless you are using it in a commercial application where accuratecy is manditory, its hard to justify the cost of those specialty sensors. The same for digital thermometers such as the accurite brands as it is for a digital solid state thermostats. You can purchase a pretty decent thermometer for around $10, or a really good thermometer of $100, what you are willing to spend is relative to the quality of the product you purchase.

 

[muddstopper]

Oh well CutlerSupply didnt get my parts shipped to me in time, so I guess this project will have to be put on hold for the next 2 wks as I will be out of town until then.