Big temperature difference between the bottom and top of my working 1202 incubator

[bardies]

The fan works, the temperature on the thermometer reads steady, but can tell it is much cooler at the bottom rack than where the thermometer is at the top. I have the same problem with a homemade hatcher....again, even with the fan going.

I am wondering if I should heat it up to much higher at the thermometer just to get the temperature correct where the eggs will be.

Any advice?

Oh, on the 1202, both center vents are open. On the home made - there is one vent hole near the top, and it is half open.

Thanks!

 

[Mahonri]

I am using my "Brinsea Spot Check Thermometer". (well worth buying!)

I put the end of it right at the middle part of the egg. If it's close to 100 there, you are good to go.

 

[Bill 101]

I'm sure you are right, but unless you checked the temperature with a thermometer, guessing isn't going to tell you much. I had a GQF with a electronic heat control. it ran perfectly & held temperature well, UNTIL I started checking temperature at each rack level. It had a 4 degree drop top to bottom, but also had a 1 to 2 degree drop front to back. I sold it.

 

[bardies]

Sheesh! I never thought about variation front and back...but I see that happening - now using thermometers to check the little hatcher. Right now the two are in my garage (low 60's) - it has a 2k gallon pond in there, so I thought it would be a good place with regard to humidity. But perhaps thats part of the problem, bringing colder air in - relying too much on the heater.
Bill, when you found your problems, was it in a cooler environment?

 

[Bill 101]

Quote:
NO, I set it up in my living room. (much to my wife's dismay) House had central heat & air, so the room was pretty stable. I never hatched eggs in it. I bought it second hand. It was in excellent condition. I ran a bunch of temperature test. Front & back at each tray & top to bottom. I didn't like the variation in temperature, although everyone said they had great hatches from them. I am an accuracy fanatic. I have a couple of Turn-X & a Roll - x that have fantastic stability & accuracy, so I sold the GQF

Most Incubator Manufacturers recommend the temperature in the area their in be at least 70 degrees. I believe that is because there is not much insulation in incubators so the heat loss from cooler environments tend to make them unstable

 

[crowsnestfarms]

Do you have a place at top or bottom to put in a couple of PC fans aiming either straight up or straight down? I think what you are noticing is called thermal layering and more fans should help circulate the air better so the temp is more consistent from top to bottom. Just my two cents worth.........

 

[dbcooper02]

I run my 3 1202s and 1250 hatcher at 99.5 using just the GQF probe thermometer there at the top. I have never thought or cared to check the temperature elsewhere, nor will I now.
They operate in a very well insulated, but unheated 10X12 room. On their own they maintain the room at a comfortable temperature.
Eggs from any location in the incubator hatch on time as expected. Why mess with success?

Here are some thoughts.
Check your door seal for leaks. A lit candle passed around the perimeter will reveal drafts.
Close the vents down a bit. I run mine about 1/2 open.
Run a couple of test hatches. Try marking eggs as to location and distribute 3 or 4 at the front and rear of each tray.
See if they all hatch together or if suspected cooler areas hatch later.

 

[crowsnestfarms]

I wonder if the OP has made any progress improving the consistency of the incubator temps?