Thermostat

[RWS]

I have two old GQF Sportsmans that I want to convert to digital thermostats. I thought I would order a couple of those STC1000s from ebay. My question is do I need to put a relay between the t stat and the heating element or will the t stat carry the load itself?

 

[R2elk]

I have two old GQF Sportsmans that I want to convert to digital thermostats. I thought I would order a couple of those STC1000s from ebay. My question is do I need to put a relay between the t stat and the heating element or will the t stat carry the load itself?

You should not need a relay between the digital thermostat and the heating element. I would not use the STC1000 but would opt for a PID thermostat instead. I would also make sure that I got one that will control to +or- 0.1°(F or C).

Much more pricey but I chose a Spyder controller for my old GQF 1202. It is a PID controller and using the "dimming" function controls my incubator to within + or - 0.1°F.

 

[RWS]

You should not need a relay between the digital thermostat and the heating element. I would not use the STC1000 but would opt for a PID thermostat instead. I would also make sure that I got one that will control to +or- 0.1°(F or C).

Much more pricey but I chose a Spyder controller for my old GQF 1202. It is a PID controller and using the "dimming" function controls my incubator to within + or - 0.1°F.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dual-Dig...8SeRY3gE0bbAR6VUFy0PRQ1aN2s_iUTRoC_o0QAvD_BwE


Like this one?

 

[R2elk]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dual-Dig...8SeRY3gE0bbAR6VUFy0PRQ1aN2s_iUTRoC_o0QAvD_BwE


Like this one?

I would be leery of a unit that does not specify whether it is C or F. I also don't see anything about the whether it measures to a full degree or less or if it is controllable to = or- 0.1°.

 

[RWS]

I couldn't find the one you mentioned, I will look on ebay until I find one suitable. I see what you mean about the pid type being more consistent after watching a couple videos on Youtube. I think anything would be better than the old wafers though

 

[R2elk]

I couldn't find the one you mentioned, I will look on ebay until I find one suitable. I see what you mean about the pid type being more consistent after watching a couple videos on Youtube. I think anything would be better than the old wafers though

Incubator upgrade

This is where I got my Spyder controller.

Spyder temperature and humidity controllers

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/making-upgrades-to-my-1202-gqf.940322/page-2#post-14427441
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/making-upgrades-to-my-1202-gqf.940322/page-2#post-14429030

 

[KYBOY]

I have a couple Omron PID’s that work great and with pt100 sensors are accurate as controlled to 0.1°.. just be care of what plug and play controller you get if you get that kind. Some of them blink the fan and heater as it’s controlling heat.. meaning the fan didn’t run constant..It shuts off power to everything as it controls temp.. not all of them but some do. I know a guys fan didn’t last long on one doing that

 

[R2elk]

Some of them blink the fan and heater as it’s controlling heat.. meaning the fan didn’t run constant..

This is why I opened up my incubator and divorced the fan circuit from the heating element circuit.

 

[KYBOY]

This is why I opened up my incubator and divorced the fan circuit from the heating element circuit.

Yea I just added to my post a guy who didn’t know and his fan burnt out.. it’s easy to fix it as you did

 

[KYBOY]

Just to add if you do a regular PID you’ll need a SSR.. I know a lot of people who use the st1000’s and like them for the price. I think the biggest gripe is they only have a differential of .03° but honestly that’s not bad