You do need both grid trays for the turner to engage...been using the janoel 12 for at least a dozen successful hatches...I never use the turner though. have hatched up to 35 coturnix and 20 large chickens at a time. I got a egg rack for quail and 1 for chickens that is stationary and load them large end up on the bottom grid, then I rock the entire incubator 3 to 5 times a day, using a rubber wedge door stop to prop the tilt from one side to the other. This method works very well and the egg movement is not much more than 90 degrees from side to side...so no they do not need to turn all the way around or even half for that matter. As you already know the instructions that come with it are pretty useless. But there is a lot of good info and demonstration on youtube. You can get a decent hygrometer/thermometer on ebay for under ten bucks. then use the "outside" thermocouple in the incubator for humidity and temp verification they also have a min/max function so you can see any temp/humidity changes when you are not there. Just run the wire through vent hole and zip tie so it hangs at top of eggs....the thermometer that comes with is mounted to high in the incubator for an accurate reading on the lower level. You really do need to monitor your humidity as if it is to high though the fist 18 days you will not have a good hatch.....I run mine totally dry first 18 days and have up to 90 percent hatch rates, contrary to instructions. But it does matter what your humidity is where you are incubating for proper air cell size at hatch. The same janoel is also sold as a magicfly 12, so search both names on youtube and you will get all the info you need! Goodluck!
