Thermometer/temp CRAZINESS!!

[cpeter2]

This is not-so-much a "reply" as it is a question.... What the heck is a wiggler, an egg wiggler, or a water wiggler?? Thanks for helping educate a newbie!
Clay---in Oregon

 

[twigg]

Quote:
A water wiggler is one of those cheap toys you find in Dollar Stores.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bBo7KvNoL._SL500_SS90_.jpg

You put a temp probe up the hole through the center.

 

[cpeter2]

All this information about thermometers is very interesting, BUT... what about the thermostat? I does no good to be able to 'measure' the temp to within 0.1*F if your thermostat only operates within a range of about 10* (ie +/- 5*F --is that called the hysteresis?)

That is the problem I have right now. I got a new thermostat to install before my next batch of eggs are set, but its wiring is different than my current one. If anyone would be willing to discuss this off-site, please e-mail me with your contact info. Thanks much!!
Clay

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
What type of thermostat are you using? If it is the water heater type move it as close to the bulb or heat source as you can get it. This will cause the stat to cycle more and on shorter time spans. My span is never more than 2 degrees, most times just 1 degree.

 

[twigg]

Quote:
Actually .... the temp range of the thermostat is less of an issue, and you still need to know what the average temp is, that is what the eggs will be at.

Too large a range is unhelpful, although folk have success with cheap water heater thermostats, and those can have a lrge range indeed.

The smallest range will come from a proportional temp controller ... you won't even need a wiggler ... Google 'em, they really are very good.

Failing that, a higher quality mechanical type. Wafers, which I hate but have been used for generations, have a range of about 4 degrees.

 

[cpeter2]

Walking Wolf and Twigg--I really appreciate the helpful info you both posted. I would really like to be able to correspond with each of you directly. Is there some way I can get your e-addresses? Thanks again! Clay

 

[chickedydoodaa]

set the thermometer at the same height as the eggs are to be, do not measure with it resting on the mesh it wont measure right. Also if it is a new incubator let it run for several days and keep adjusting, don't sweat it, it takes patience and determination.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
Actually .... the temp range of the thermostat is less of an issue, and you still need to know what the average temp is, that is what the eggs will be at.

Too large a range is unhelpful, although folk have success with cheap water heater thermostats, and those can have a lrge range indeed.

The smallest range will come from a proportional temp controller ... you won't even need a wiggler ... Google 'em, they really are very good.

Failing that, a higher quality mechanical type. Wafers, which I hate but have been used for generations, have a range of about 4 degrees.

twigg, does a prop temp controller
get wired in place of the thermostat?? are they expen$ive?

 

[flyweed]

So my next question is...where can I get a proportional or PID thermostat? Maybe I'd just be better off buying a Brinsea incubator, that I have been looking at...for a couple hundred bucks, I could have a hell of a bator.

Dan

 

[flyweed]

Hey everyone

Ok, just a follow up post and update..since I received my Spot Check digital temp probe setup...I put it into my bator, and took some readings..here's the surprise.

The Flukers (petco) temp/humidity digital guage is pretty much dead on with the spot check. My Flukers is currently reading a temp of 99.7F and my spot check was reading 99.9F

Can't believe my other thermometers are off..especially the one I use for brewing...which will still read 106F when I put it in the bator..but stick it in liquid and it's dead on...(again I tested with ice water and boiling water).

So, I am going to "go with it" and keep the Flukers digital in the bator and insert my spot check probe from time to time just to check the temps occasionally, but all looks good right now.

Dan