My first suggestion is to go to
Wal-mart and get a thermometer/hygrometer in the thermometer aisle for like 7 bucks and use it instead of that little thermometer thingy. You can use it as a backup but ONLY as a backup....they stink!
Second, while at
Wal-mart go to the hardware aisle and get a dimmer switch knob (95 cents) and put on top of the knob to adjust the temp. You will love me for this one! It makes it where the knob is not so sensitive to change, you only need to move it a hair and it changes drastically.
Third read the directions for usage at this link and print out a copy to put with the incubator. You might want to laminate the pages so they don't get destroyed.
http://www.hotshotproducts.com/media/document/1/incubatoraccessoryinstructions_english.pdf
Fourth, plug in the incubator and install the turner, fill with water(look closely and you will see some of the sections in the bottom of the incubator have holes. DONT put the water in these sections unless you want to be mopping up stuff.) and let it get acclaimated to the environment at least 48 hours prior to use. And it needs to stay stable for 12 hours at least. If it is a forced air, it needs to keep around 99.5 degrees if still air, it needs to stay around 100.5 - 101. That is measured at the top of the eggs. i place my digital thermometer/hygrometer from Wallyworld on top of my eggs and they still turn fine. Also, those thermometer/hygrometers have a minimum and maximum temp so you can check the highs and lows during the night without getting up.
It is really pretty simple to keep things going.
Good luck and if PouletsDeCajun is close, you have it made. good help there!!!!