Starting my incubator project!!

[BleedingOrange36]

Just picked this wine chiller about an hr ago.

The guy said it stopped cooling, he spent $775 on it in 2006. It is a VinoTemp 60 bottle unit. I picked it up for 35$! I know it wasn't free, but there are a bunch of ads on Craigslist in my area asking for beverage fridges and wine chillers. I got pretty lucky to grab this one up in time.
A couple nice features on the unit are the locking door!!

And digital temp display.
The funny thing is I got it home and plugged it in and it started cooling..... It would probably be wise of me to go over it and sell it for a profit..... But I'm finally happy to have one to convert to an incubator.
One problem I'm running into is the coil runs inside the unit, it forms the removable back section. I don't want to cut the tubing ( obvious reasons) but I'm not sure if I could just cover it with flexwatt. I unplugged the compressor from the control board, and am starting to plan my attack. If anyone has any suggestions about the back panel please let me know.

[BleedingOrange36]

Here is a better shot of the back panel.

[rlditmars]

That is the exact same cabinet as I used for mine. It made a great incubator and held temps perfectly. Also it is cool to keep the light hooked up for when you open it. Take it to someone who can properly drain the coolant and then you can cut the tube and remove the panel from the back wall. You do not want to leave it or any of the compressor intact as it adds weight ( probably half of the total) and contains coolant. Here is a picture of mine.

I used an AC fan with a reastat that I bought off amazon for air circulation. I put bathroom caulk in all of the screw holes where I removed the panel and and shelf brackets. Also, you can use the racks but it is easier if you pickup some light diffuser at Lowes or HD and cut it to size and zip tie it to the shelves. That way you have a nice stable surface. Best of luck in the coming season.

[IMG][/IMG]

[BleedingOrange36]

That is the exact same cabinet as I used for mine. It made a great incubator and held temps perfectly. Also it is cool to keep the light hooked up for when you open it. Take it to someone who can properly drain the coolant and then you can cut the tube and remove the panel from the back wall. You do not want to leave it or any of the compressor intact as it adds weight ( probably half of the total) and contains coolant. Here is a picture of mine.

I used an AC fan with a reastat that I bought off amazon for air circulation. I put bathroom caulk in all of the screw holes where I removed the panel and and shelf brackets. Also, you can use the racks but it is easier if you pickup some light diffuser at Lowes or HD and cut it to size and zip tie it to the shelves. That way you have a nice stable surface. Best of luck in the coming season.

[IMG][/IMG]

That's for the pic, I can't wait to get OT started. I have some ac fans I'm setting up at work, I'm building a frame for them and doing their wiring out side the unit.
I'm heading to hamburg this weekend to pick up some 11" flexwatt and hopefully find a nice used herpstat for around 100$. I found one locally, a HS 2 for 150$, but can't really swing that right now. But it's a good deal I think, I may have to jump on it.

[The Serpent Merchant]

That's for the pic, I can't wait to get OT started. I have some ac fans I'm setting up at work, I'm building a frame for them and doing their wiring out side the unit.
I'm heading to hamburg this weekend to pick up some 11" flexwatt and hopefully find a nice used herpstat for around 100$. I found one locally, a HS 2 for 150$, but can't really swing that right now. But it's a good deal I think, I may have to jump on it.

You can get a new Herpstat intro for $99 they are great for incubators:

http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat_intro.html

[BleedingOrange36]

You can get a new Herpstat intro for $99 they are great for incubators:

http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat_intro.html

How long does shipping usually take? I prefer buying in person due to my need for instant gratification lol

[The Serpent Merchant]

If they have them in stock in under a week (based on my experiences ordering from them). It looks like Spyder Robotics is backordered until the 23rd, but ARS has them in stock.

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/...products_id=23

http://www.arscaging.com/thermostats/herpstatintro.html

[brobertson]

How long does shipping usually take? I prefer buying in person due to my need for instant gratification lol

I ordered direct from spider robotics for my herpstat 1, and it came 3 days later. I would definitely buy direct if you can't find a good deal on a used one.

[BleedingOrange36]

I ordered direct from spider robotics for my herpstat 1, and it came 3 days later. I would definitely buy direct if you can't find a good deal on a used one.

Do you think 150$ Is a good price for a used, but excellent condition HS2?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Well they retail $195 new. If it still works properly then yes. I would question why he is selling it, and test it first hand but if everything checks out I probably would go for it.