To refurbish old 1602n or start over?

[mistymac]

I have an old Hovabator 1602N that was my father in laws. It's been in storage for years and we decided to to get it up and running again.

We've had it on for a couple of days and cannot get the temperature to stabilize

Went to bed and it was reading 100 hubby said his am it was at 95. Via a Brinsea spot check.

So I need some advice! I've never hatched before but want to maximize my hatch rate. Should I buy a new wafer and possibly a fan, or just upgrade and go with a new genesis?

Or are there some other brands/models out there I should consider?

TIA!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I have an old Hovabator 1602N that was my father in laws. It's been in storage for years and we decided to to get it up and running again.

We've had it on for a couple of days and cannot get the temperature to stabilize

Went to bed and it was reading 100 hubby said his am it was at 95. Via a Brinsea spot check.

So I need some advice! I've never hatched before but want to maximize my hatch rate. Should I buy a new wafer and possibly a fan, or just upgrade and go with a new genesis?

Or are there some other brands/models out there I should consider?

TIA!

Hi - I had that model and after much frustration trying to stabilize the temperature, I returned it and got a Genesis. Temperature fluctuations no more! I use mine mostly as a hatcher, but I think it's definitely worth the difference in cost between it and the 1602N.

I also use a Brinsea Advance 20 and have been pleased with it. It doesn't hold as many eggs as the Genesis, but it's very dependable.

 

[Tabasco Jack]

I have an old Hovabator 1602N that was my father in laws. It's been in storage for years and we decided to to get it up and running again.

We've had it on for a couple of days and cannot get the temperature to stabilize

Went to bed and it was reading 100 hubby said his am it was at 95. Via a Brinsea spot check.

So I need some advice! I've never hatched before but want to maximize my hatch rate. Should I buy a new wafer and possibly a fan, or just upgrade and go with a new genesis?

Or are there some other brands/models out there I should consider?

TIA!

Since it's old and has been in storage, chances are it needs a new wafer thermostat.
You can take it out and shake it. You should here liquid in it. It there is no sound, or if it sounds like there are chunks in it, replace it.
They're not expensive and it's an easy fix.

 

[mistymac]

So, I think I may just buy a new one.

BUT I'm seeing from Incubator Warehouse there are two options and I'm not sure what's best!
1. Hovabator Genesis 1588 w/ auto turner = $199 ish
2. Hovabator 1602N w/ circulated fan installed and auto turner = $155

in these configurations, is the Genesis still THAT MUCH BETTER? I mean once a fan is installed? Is the $45 difference just for better temperature control?

 

[Tabasco Jack]

Much better. The heat source and fan is one unit. Electronic control of the heater is much better.
I've got 2 of the Genesis units that I use as hatchers.

You'll still need to get a supplemental thermometer/hydrometer like the Incu-therm because the incubator sensors are at the top near the heater/fan.