Thermostat for DIY incubators

[grundail01]

Hes any one ever tried the 110 VAC thermostats for baseboard heaters? Some of them have range of 75-120 deg with a temp scale on the adjustment nob and most are under $20?
I've worked in construction since i was 13 and I'm about to turn 37 so sometimes look at a problem differently than most people do. If my small incubator works out i may go with this for a small fridge bator with an auto turner. Just wanted to kick a few ideas around and see what everyone though.
Here's the link to one at lowes if you want more info on it
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=30061-49285-FTA1AC&lpage=none

 

[panner123]

What is the +- range? A great thermostat range is.05 +-, a good one is 1.0+-, fair is 2.0+-, anything after that you have killed you eggs.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Looks like it would work just fine. Panner..I respectfully disagree about the temp range. I have 100% hatches all the time in my homemade bator with my hot water heater thermostat and the temps range from 97-103 on the thermometer. However, the temp in the "wiggler" ranges from 100-102. I think the temp inside the 'bator must be out of range for a more extended period to affect the inside temp of the egg much.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Why not just use a regular incubator thermostat? I've never understood people using all different kinds of thermostats when a wafer switch is around $20.

http://www.flemingoutdoors.com/thermostat-wafer-switch-complete.html

 

[millebantam]

I'm with you. I don't understand it either. Is it the money? It doesn't make sense to "experiment" with something that's 5 bucks cheaper when you figure in the possible loss of the eggs you are trying to incubate and the loss of 3 weeks of anticipation. Wafers have been hatching chicks successfully for 100 years.
Quote:

 

[geareduplyn]

Quote:

I'll jump in here also. Why beat yourslf to death trying to make something do what it is not intended for. The microswitch/wafer units are readily available. You may even find one in some junk poultry equipment. An old brooder for example.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I guess we could get them online...where I live none of the feed stores carry them.

 

[98 gt]

A regular old style tstat "mercury bulb" is typically +- 5 degrees digital wall tstat is +-2 degrees... (typically that is)
I'm an HVAC tech I know these things

 

[98 gt]

You could always go to www.gqfmfg.com and search for part 1715
Whole thermostat assembly for $16.98

 

[grundail01]

well since i already have a similar thermostat i was thinking of using it on a hatcher. I work in a family run Plumbing company with 20+ years of accumulated stuff on the shelves, it's surprising what you find sometimes hidden on the top or the back of a shelf.