Something wrong with my incubator, please help!

I expected eggs this coming April, so I planned to set up my incubator. I'll start to test run at Saturday (March 10, 2012) I used Styrofoam cooler that can hold 4 clutches of eggs (small clutch) or 2 clutches (big clutch) with 4 inches flexwatt heat tape, fan, water bottles, egg plastic container with vermiculite and perlite mixs, thermo-hygro with probe and digital proportional thermostat (herpstat). I'll set the herpstat at 89 degrees F.

I'll also set the power matching mode at HI2 and sensor matching 2.0 on Monday

My problem is until now the reading of my thermostat is 85-86 deg. F, and the temperature inside the egg container is 85-86 deg F also, sometimes 84.

This is my first time, so what is the possible problem?

Thanks!

What is the power percentage going to the flexwatt from the Herpstat?

I use the Herpstat 4. This is what the screen looks like

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMG_0342.jpg

It tells me the current temperature, the set temperature and how much power is being sent to the heat tape. (I believe on some Herpstat models you have to cycle through the display screens to see the percentage)

If the Herpstat is running the heat source at 100% constantly then you need more heat tape. If the thermostat isn't running at full power than I would try adjusting the probe placement.

Thanks Aaron for your reply! I have 5 foot flex watt heat tape, according to the manual of the heat tape it is 8 watts per foot, then I cut 3 foot then set aside to my incubator all in all I have 24 watts, this was on early as March 10 when I first test my incubator, on March 10, I finally decide to put another 2 foot heat tape to increase the temp but nothing happen.

How do I know the power percentage?

In our country we used normally 220 volts in our appliances, but this thermostat made from yours are 110 volts, I'll used transformer to run this system.

Thanks!

I use the styro cooler. I have a tub in the bottom of it with a submersible aquarium heater that heats of to 91f. I just use a temp probe to monitor the temp. It holds great at 89f. I have the eggs sitting on the crate shelf with no substrate. I hatched 4 clutches last year with 100%.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pedipalps

Thanks Aaron for your reply! I have 5 foot flex watt heat tape, according to the manual of the heat tape it is 8 watts per foot, then I cut 3 foot then set aside to my incubator all in all I have 24 watts, this was on early as March 10 when I first test my incubator, on March 10, I finally decide to put another 2 foot heat tape to increase the temp but nothing happen.

How do I know the power percentage?

In our country we used normally 220 volts in our appliances, but this thermostat made from yours are 110 volts, I'll used transformer to run this system.

Thanks!

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What Herpstat do you have?

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/cc03cd85.jpg

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/84f464c3.jpg

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/498b4fb0.jpg

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMG_0342.jpg

Thanks for the info sguido!

@Aaron, I'll use the first picture. I already check my incubator yesterday, the wiring and connection etc. I already remove the 2 foot heat tape and remain the 3 foot heat tape in the middle, then I run and set to 89 deg F. then after 30 minutes the temperature in the thermostat begin to increase then I leave overnight. I woke up this morning and immediately check my incubator now in sets to 89-89.1 deg F.

My problem is the temperature inside the egg plastic container is 86.1 - 86.5 deg F. and 60-61 % relative humidity. What is the possible problem now? Can I raise to 90 deg F or put some small holes in the egg plastic container to raise the temp?

Thanks!

where have you placed the probe? Is it measuring the air temp in the cooler our is it attached to the flexwatt itself?

The probe of the thermostat is located in the diffuser near in the egg plastic container, while the probe of thermometer place inside the egg plastic container.

Can you give me the pixs of how you attached the probe in the flexwatt?

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pedipalps

The probe of the thermostat is located in the diffuser near in the egg plastic container, while the probe of thermometer place inside the egg plastic container.

Can you give me the pixs of how you attached the probe in the flexwatt?

Thanks!

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You don't want the probe on the flexwatt, I would place the probe inside your plastic container and see if that fixes your problems.

I know some people place a plastic tub identical to the ones that they use for eggs in their incubators just for the thermostat probe. this simulates the environment that the eggs will be in and lets the thermostat do a better job.

You don't want the probe on the flexwatt, I would place the probe inside your plastic container and see if that fixes your problems.

you mean the probe of the thermostat place in the plastic container?

[QUOTE=The Serpent Merchant;1783587]You don't want the probe on the flexwatt, I would place the probe inside your plastic container and see if that fixes your problems.

you mean the probe of the thermostat place in the plastic container?

Oh sorry for the double post

[QUOTE=pedipalps;1783610]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

You don't want the probe on the flexwatt, I would place the probe inside your plastic container and see if that fixes your problems.

you mean the probe of the thermostat place in the plastic container?

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yes, by placing the thermostat probe where the eggs go you are able to regulate the temperature where the eggs are.

As with most things there are different ways to do it. I've read many threads that recommend not to put the probe inside the the tub but rather have it sense the air temp instead. I have my probe reading the air temp about 5 inches from the circulating fan. In this setup without a fan it may respond differently. You may have to try a few different arrangements and see which one gives you the best, most consistent results.

Ok I'll test your bout opinion.

Thanks Aaron and Steve-J!