Refurb or not: Old still air incubator, and how?

[ladybrasa]

So as mentioned in another thread, I’ve been “chicken crazy” for the last couple months. Made a DIY incubator, but still haven’t gotten the eggs yet so not sure it’ll work. Seems like it should, but ‘stuff’ happens ...

Anyway, I came across a really old incubator in the shed. Gotta be 10-15 (or more?) years old. I kind of remember trying to hatch in it a number of years ago and failing (probably in no small part from myself and no idea what I was doing). It is a Hova-bator 1582 with picture window, so like one whole window in the top, not two on the top. It has a wafer thermostat. I do believe I can and should replace the wafer, but to be honest, I’m not sure I trust the wafer thermostats. I wouldn’t be able to baby it. Keep in mind I really am not electrically inclined! So:

-Should I just unscrew everything and attempt to install an Incukit? They seem a titch pricey. Also have read some comments about reliability.
-What would happen if I plugged in the Hova-Bator to a plug and play thermostat like the Inkbird? Is that even possible (or even advisable)? Would it bypass the wafer thing?
-I would like to add a little fan, but I think I could manage that. Do have an extra 50mm computer fan. But how would I position it so it isn’t blowing on the eggs since the unit isn’t very tall? Or does it actually matter if there is airflow on the eggs?
- Should I gut and just add a good ‘ole light bulb or two?
-Is there any add on to make a wafer thermostat more trustworthy or automated or something?

I had come across a thread here where someone was discussing gutting/refurbishing an old incubator, but can’t find it

Anyway thoughts are appreciated! This is just something knocking in my head, I probably wouldn’t be able to get to fiddling with it (if at all) for a while).

 

[333113]

I bought a $10 digital thermometer at Walmart (but I have seen them at other stores, too) that gives a readout of current temperature and humidity, plus highs and lows for the past 24 hours. I use it to check my incubators. I put it where I can see it through the incubator window. It's great peace of mind from a second opinion! And it even helped once when we lost power...I could see the temperature didn't go below 97! (And yes, they all hatched.)

This is a photo I took to show that the temperature was spiking to 104 degrees in my new incubator. They gave me a replacement that works perfectly.

 

[Rooster G]

1582s are great. Plug it in and test it. Add a computer fan It will mount perfectly. Wire the fan to an old 12 volt power adapter. This will turn the 1582 into a 1583, and I will put them up against the 1588.

 

[Rooster G]

Install the fan so it blows up against the top lid.

 

[ladybrasa]

I bought a $10 digital thermometer at Walmart (but I have seen them at other stores, too) that gives a readout of current temperature and humidity, plus highs and lows for the past 24 hours.

Yup I have one of those types in my diy-bator and they are definitely useful for the hi’s and lo’s!

Install the fan so it blows up against the top lid.

So you talking like on the incubator “floor”? Wouldn’t I need to put mesh or something around it for protection from roving chicks?


What would happen if I somehow unhooked the wafer thermostat unit from electricity, then plugged the incubator - presumably the heating element part - to a plug and play thermostat? I would assume the plug and play thermostat would then be in control of the heat? What do you do with loose wire ends? (Reminder, I know zilch about electrical stuff!)

 

[Rooster G]

No, not the floor. Bolt the fan onto the lid, and do so to where the fan pulls air from below and blows it to the top of the lid. The air then flows to the side and down. Wafer thermostats are very accurate and hold temps very well. Give it a good test run. I will look for my 1582 that I added a fan to and take some pics: sometime this weekend.

 

[Rooster G]

Fan is bolted with three inch bolts and wing nuts. I took a 12 volt adapter,cut the end off, and wired it to an old computer fan. Notice the one inch spacer (yellow foam), anything will work, it is glued to the top of the fan to keep space between top of fan and lid of incubator. Make sure air flows up towards the lid.

I now have four 1588‘s and the 1502 Sportsman. All of which cannot get a better hatch rate than the 1582 with the wafer. The wafer and incubator is old and is still used every year. It ran for months straight this spring. Old wafer: still waiting for it to malfunction.

 

[ladybrasa]

Thanks for posting a pic! Very helpful! I think I understand now ... fan is attached to top and blowing at the top, but because of the spacer, the blown air immediately hits the lid and spreads out and presumably downwards? Is that right? However, your wafer thermostat looks off to the side. Mine is in the middle where your fan is. Did you move it?

 

[Rooster G]

You are correct about the fan blowing. I did not move it. There were holes already in the exact spot and fan lined up perfectly. Wish I could be more help.

I have heard good things about this thermostat: https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-All-Purpose-Temperature-Controller-ITC-1000/dp/B00OXPE8U6

I still am sold on the wafer but if I were to experiment and make a change I would try the Inkbird, but not before a great deal of reading.

 

[ladybrasa]

That’s weird mine is in the center I did manage to get a pic of the lid (underside):

With this, where would I put a fan?

I did order 2 more thermometer/hygrometers and plan on plugging in and see what happens, to start. As for the Inkbird, yes I have a plug and play Inkbird in my diybator and so far so good

I appreciate the input you’ve given