Do-it-yourself construction and repairs

A simple electrical circuit for an egg turning system in an incubator. Homemade timer for an incubator Do-it-yourself incubator timer on a K176IE5 chip

Instructions on how to make a homemade timer for an incubator

A timer is used to turn an electrical appliance on and off at specified intervals. Accordingly, the device for turning the trays in the incubator will determine after what time they will need to be turned over manually or they will do it automatically. Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase a ready-made incubator; some poultry farmers prefer to create this device themselves. In this case, it will exactly meet the necessary requirements. Next, we’ll look at how to make a timer for an incubator on a K176IE5 with a printed circuit board with your own hands, as well as a timer circuit for an incubator.

Device K176IE5

The K176IE5 chip is a counter that generates second pulses. It was specially created for use in electronic watches. But today it is used in many other electronic devices, including incubators.

The operation of the microcircuit is organized in a circle:

  • there is a slight delay when the timer fires;
  • LED flickers (34 pulses);
  • when voltage appears, the rotating device is turned on;
  • the LED flickers (34 pulses), but with a different frequency;
  • everything starts all over again.

How to set up a homemade timer for turning trays in an incubator? For long time delays, it is necessary to determine the time between adjacent blinks of the LED and multiply it by 34, and for small ones, short-circuit the second resistor and measure the time during which all 34 blinks of the LED occur. All this can be seen in the presented video. In the standard case, the pause in operation is from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and the operating time is about 40 seconds. During operation, the rotating mechanism manages to turn trays with chicken eggs 180 degrees, and with goose eggs - 90 degrees.

In a homemade timer, you can change the operating time of the rotary mechanism and pauses between operations. This can be done using three LEDs. The flip timer for the k176ie5 incubator with a printed circuit board can be seen in the diagram presented.

Device KR512PS10

A similar microcircuit to the K176IE5 (see photo) is the KR512PS10 microcircuit. Its peculiarity is that it can independently calculate both the operating time and the pause time. In this case, a pause in work can last several hours or even days, and the operating time ranges from several seconds to several hours. This device can be used both for turning eggs in an incubator, and for feeding fish in an aquarium, watering plants, and operating fans and refrigeration units.

The KR512PS10 circuit is designed for use in a device where the egg turning belt is located under the trays. In order for it to work optimally, it is necessary to detect the time of turning the trays 180 degrees and set it to the operating time. You also need to decide on the time after which you need to turn on the egg turning mechanism. For example, in home incubators, the turning of eggs is either turned on simultaneously with the heating elements, or after some time - most often after 3 hours. But in industrial incubation devices, trays are constantly turned over.

You can set up a timer for the incubator with your own hands as follows: short-circuit the first resistor and use a stopwatch to count the operating time of the rotating mechanism, which is usually 36 seconds, cancel the short-circuiting of the resistor and set the pause time. Separately, you can work out a mechanism that will determine whether there were power outages or not.

Homemade timer for turning eggs in an incubator, diagram, instructions

All experienced poultry farmers know well that one of the main conditions for successful incubation of eggs, in addition to correctly selected temperature and humidity, is their periodic turning.

Moreover, this must be done using strictly defined technology. All existing incubators are divided into three groups - automatic, mechanical and manual, and the last two varieties assume that the process of turning eggs will be carried out not by a machine, but by a person.

A timer will help to simplify this task; if you have some time and experience, you can make it yourself. Several methods for making such a device are described below.

What is it needed for

The egg turning timer in the incubator is a device that opens and closes an electrical circuit after the same period of time, that is, in simple terms, a primitive relay. Our task is to turn off and then turn on the main components of the incubator, thus automating the system as much as possible and minimizing possible errors caused by the human factor.

The timer, in addition to turning the eggs, also provides the following functions:

  • temperature control;
  • ensuring forced air exchange;
  • starting and turning off lighting.

The microcircuit on the basis of which such a device is manufactured must meet two main conditions: low current switching with high resistance of the key element itself.

The best option in this case is the CMOS electronic circuit technology, which has both n- and p-channel field-effect transistors, which provides higher switching speed and is also energy-saving.

The easiest way at home is to use timing chips K176IE5 or KR512PS10, sold in any electronics store. Based on them, the timer will work for a long time and, most importantly, uninterruptedly.

If the K176IE5 chip assumes the only possible cycle of actions, then on the KR512PS10 the timer operates in two different modes: variable or constant.

In the first case, the system turns on and off automatically, at regular intervals (the mode is configured using jumper S1), in the second, the system turns on with a programmed delay once and then works until it is forced to turn off.

Tools and accessories

To implement the creative task, in addition to the timing chips themselves, we will need the following materials:

  • resistors of various powers;
  • several additional LEDs (3–4 pieces);
  • tin and rosin.

The set of tools is quite standard:

  • a sharp knife with a narrow blade (to short-circuit resistors);
  • a good soldering iron for microcircuits (with a thin tip);
  • stopwatch or watch with a second hand;
  • pliers;
  • screwdriver-tester with voltage indicator.

Homemade incubator timer with your own hands on the K176IE5 chip

Most electronic devices, such as the incubator timer in question, have been known since Soviet times. An example of the implementation of a two-interval timer for incubating eggs with detailed instructions was published in the magazine Radio, popular among radio amateurs (No. 1, 1988). But, as you know, everything new is well forgotten old.

Basic diagram:

If you are lucky enough to find a ready-made radio designer based on the K176IE5 microcircuit with an already etched printed circuit board, then assembling and configuring the finished device will turn out to be a simple formality (the ability to hold a soldering iron in your hands is, of course, highly desirable).

Printed circuit board:

Let's look at the stage of setting time intervals in more detail. The two-interval timer in question provides alternation of the “operation” mode (the control relay is turned on, the incubator tray rotation mechanism is working) with the “pause” mode (the control relay is turned off, the incubator tray rotation mechanism is stopped).

The “work” mode is short-term and lasts between 30–60 seconds (the time required to rotate the tray to a certain angle depends on the type of specific incubator).

The “pause” mode is long and can last up to 5 or 6 hours (depending on the size of the eggs and the heating capacity of the incubator.)

For ease of setup, the circuit includes an LED, which will blink at a certain frequency while setting time intervals. The LED power is adjusted to the circuit using resistor R6.

The duration of these modes is adjusted by timing resistors R3 and R4. It should be noted that the duration of the “pause” mode depends on the value of both resistors, while the duration of the operating mode is set exclusively by resistance R3. For fine tuning, it is recommended to use variable resistors 3–5 kOhm for R3 and 500–1500 kOhm for R4 as R3 and R4, respectively.

Adjusting the pause mode:

  • use resistor R4 (increase resistance R4 to nominal);
  • turn on the device;
  • Use a stopwatch to measure the time between adjacent LED flashes.

The duration of the “pause” mode will be equal to the received time multiplied by 32.

For example, in order to set the pause mode duration to 4 hours, the time between flashes should be 7 minutes 30 seconds. After completing the setup of the modes (determining the required characteristics of the time-setting resistors), R3 and R4 can be replaced with fixed resistors of the appropriate values, and the LED can be turned off. This will increase the reliability of the timer and significantly extend its service life.

Instructions: how to make your own incubator timer using the KR512PS10 chip

The KR512PS10 microcircuit, manufactured on the basis of the CMOS technical process, is used in a wide variety of electronic timer devices with a variable time cycle division coefficient.

These devices can provide both one-time switching on (switching on the operating mode after a certain pause and holding it until forced shutdown), and cyclic switching on and off according to a given program.

Creating a timer for an incubator based on one of these devices will not be difficult. Moreover, you don’t even have to pick up a soldering iron, since the range of industrially produced boards based on KR512PS10 is extremely wide, their functionality is diverse, and the ability to configure time intervals covers the range from tenths of a second to 24 hours. Ready-made boards are equipped with the necessary automation, providing quick and accurate adjustment of the “work” and “pause” modes. Thus, making a timer for an incubator on the KR512PS10 microcircuit comes down to the correct choice of board for the specific characteristics of a particular incubator.

If you still need to change the operating time, you can do this by short-circuiting resistor R1.

For those who love and know how to solder, and also want to assemble such a device with their own hands, we present one of the possible diagrams with a list of electronic components and a printed circuit board trace. The described timers are applicable to control the rotation of the tray when working with household incubators with periodic switching on of the heating elements. In fact, they allow you to synchronize the movement of the tray with turning the heater on and off, repeating the entire process cyclically.

Other options

In addition to the considered options for basic microcircuits, there are many electronic components on which you can build a reliable and durable device - a timer.

Among them are:

  • MC14536BCP;
  • CD4536B (with modifications CD43***, CD41***);
  • NE555, etc.

Some of these microcircuits have now been discontinued and replaced with modern analogues (the electronic components production industry does not stand still).

All of them differ in secondary parameters, an expanded range of supply voltages, thermal characteristics, etc., but at the same time they perform all the same tasks: turning on and off a controlled electrical circuit according to a given program.

The principle of setting the working intervals of the assembled board is the same:

  • find and short-circuit the “pause” mode resistor;
  • use the “operation” mode resistor to set the desired blinking frequency of the diode;
  • unlock the pause mode resistor and measure the exact operating time;
  • set divider parameters;
  • place the board in a protective case.

When making a tray turn-over timer, you need to understand that this is, first of all, a timer - a universal device, the scope of which is not limited solely to the task of turning the tray over in an incubator.

Subsequently, having gained some experience, you will be able to equip heating elements, lighting and ventilation systems with similar devices, and later, after some modernization, use it as the basis for automatically supplying feed and water to chickens.

Among the alternative options, it should also be noted that in radio markets and in specialized stores you will be offered a huge selection from electronic components and circuit boards to ready-made timers for incubators. The price of many types of ready-made automation may be even lower than the cost of self-assembly. The decision is yours to make. Thus, making a timer yourself is not at all difficult. If you have certain skills, the process will not take much time. As a result, you will receive reliable automation for your incubator that you can trust.

Cheerful Pencil

Affordable solutions for the DIYer

ADVERTISING

A simple electrical circuit for an egg turning system in an incubator.

Electrical diagram of the egg turning system in the incubator.

The components of the proposed electrical circuit are assembled from the simplest parts and mechanisms.

Automatic egg turning system consists of a mechanical part connected by hinged joints to the cart on which trays with eggs are located, or directly to the trays themselves, and an electrical part, including limit switches (fixed position sensors) and an actuator unit.

Mode switch for the electrical circuit for turning eggs in the incubator.

We used a small quartz alarm clock made in China. The technological equipment of industrial incubators used a system of mechanical clocks with limit switches that were triggered by pressing adjusting bolts installed on the time scale of a disk rotating instead of arrows.

A similar system was taken as a basis.

On the dial of a quartz watch, every 90° (15, 30, 45, 60 minutes) there are contacts through which voltage is supplied to the windings of the control relay. And the contacts are closed by the minute hand, on which a small springy electrical contact is attached to the bottom side.

The dial can be processed in any way: glue slip rings, fuse wire with a hot soldering iron, place foil getinax with contact markings, use photocells, reed switches - everything is at the discretion of the designer and everything depends on the available materials.

The spring contact installed on the minute hand is made of tinned copper wire, it is softer than steel.

The arrow is plastic and it is easy to fuse it with a hot soldering iron or glue a ready-made contact.

The electrical circuit of the incubator rotary system is assembled to a minimum and is easy to assemble.

The operating principle of the electrical system for turning eggs in an incubator.

The control contacts (SAC1) close every 15 minutes. The clock works as usual.

Electric drive unit for the egg turning system in the incubator.

You can use any drive mechanism: children's electric toys, an electric drill unit, an old mechanical alarm clock, an electric drive mechanism for a car wiper, a rotating mechanism from a household fan heater or fan, an electromagnetic traction relay with a vacuum regulator, use a ready-made one from the automatic control of a washing machine, or make your own screw one with minimal details (by the way, very simple and convenient). Depends on the design and size of the incubator itself.

If you use a gearbox with a crank mechanism, then the main shaft must have a diameter greater than the stroke length of the rotary frame (with the frame in a horizontal position on the tray). With a screw mechanism, the length of the working threaded part corresponds to the stroke distance of the egg turning system.

Electric drive of the egg turning system in the incubator The screw mechanism is controlled by an electric motor with reversible activation, that is, the engine is turned on alternately in the left and right direction of rotation.

Description of the operation of the electrical circuit of the incubator rotary system.

Powered by a battery, the quartz alarm clock operates in normal mode. At regular intervals, namely: every fifteen minutes of the current time, the minute hand, passing over the contacts fixed on the dial, brings a spring contact to them and closes an electrical circuit through them. Thus, a control signal is generated for the control relay (K2 or K3).

From the reverse side of the relay (K2 or K3), the electrical signal is sent to the limit switch (SQ1 or SQ2).

There is a rod on the movable mechanism of the rotary system, which, moving together with the movable part of the system, presses on the limit switch key, being in one of the extreme positions and thereby breaking the chain: mode switch - control relay - limit switch.

Simply put, it turns out like this: from the mode switch (modified alarm clock), with its contacts closed, voltage is supplied to the control relay and then to the limit switch. If the limit switch is in the closed state, the control relay will turn on and close the drive relay control circuit with its contacts, which will supply power to the electric drive of the turning system. View in new window.

The system will start and move the mechanism to one of two positions, carried out when turning the eggs in the incubator. The extreme position will be fixed by turning off the limit switch by pressing the rod moved with the frame onto the switch key.

The circuit with a reversible connection of an electric motor is slightly different in that it adds a second drive relay with two controlled (switched) contacts.

Electronics enthusiasts can use a digital timer with self-starting after a cycle or a time relay, once used by amateur photographers. There are many options. You can buy a ready-made electronic unit. Everything depends on possibilities.

List of some details.

  1. SAC1 - mode switch.
  2. K3 and K4 - control relays of type RES-9(10.15) or similar.
  3. K1 and K2 are drive relays with switching current, respectively, according to the load current.
  4. HV - light indicators.
  5. SQ1 and SQ2 are limit switches. You can use microswitches (MS) from old cassette recorders.

vesyolyikarandashik.ru

How to make an incubator with automatic egg turning with your own hands

If you have certain materials, you can make an incubator yourself. However, successful incubation of eggs depends on a number of factors, and in order not to spoil them at the very first laying, it is important to anticipate all possible issues in the operation of the manufactured structure. Let's consider one of the popular options for creating such a device.

Characteristics of incubators with automatic egg turning

In addition to incubators with “manual” or semi-automatic egg turning, there are automatic incubators that minimize human intervention in the process of hatching chicks. According to the time set by the owner, the automation itself performs the required revolution, and the eggs do not lie in one place.

Such machines can be built at home, but first of all, it is important to take into account all its possible pros and cons.

Advantages

  • The following features can be considered the undeniable advantages of a homemade device:
  • low cost compared to ready-made purchased models;
  • economical in terms of energy consumption;
  • independent selection of the required internal volume, depending on the personal needs of each farmer;
  • high maintainability (if any part fails, the technician can always replace it without outside help);
  • versatility (if the structure is properly assembled, a homemade incubator can be used not only for breeding chickens, but also for breeding chicks of other domestic or even exotic birds).

In addition, if the components for the future device can be found at home, then you will get the finished incubator completely free of charge.

Flaws

This group of characteristics mostly includes disadvantages associated with inaccurate calculations and the use of old materials.

  • Therefore, the possible disadvantages of homemade devices are as follows:
  • the possibility of failure of some part of the device (especially if the incubator is made from old equipment);
  • independent increase in temperature or power outages, which leads to the death of embryos;
  • unattractive appearance;
  • lack of a warranty from the manufacturer that allows you to replace the device if it breaks.

Requirements for homemade automatic incubators

Without knowledge of the technical conditions of incubation, not a single assembled incubator can provide good productivity, therefore, before getting down to work, it is worth considering some requirements for automatic designs:

  • incubation of eggs takes at least 21 days, which means that the incubator must work exactly that long (without interruption);
  • eggs should be placed inside the device at a distance of at least 1 cm from each other, which is important to consider when choosing a specific tray;
  • along with the change in the stage of embryo development, the temperature inside the incubator should also change;
  • automatic egg turning should be performed slowly, twice a day;
  • to maintain optimal levels of humidity and ventilation, the homemade mechanism must have a regulator of the necessary parameters (thermostat, as well as sensors scanning the temperature and humidity levels).

How to make an automatic egg incubator with your own hands

If you are going to create an incubator yourself, then one of the good solutions is to use an old refrigerator. Of course, it will have to be completed and the consumables selected correctly.
To do this, you need to make sure that the finished structure:

  • had holes for ventilation and maintaining humidity at a level of 40–60% (drilled in the body, after which tubes are placed in them to protect against interaction of air with glass wool);
  • provided for the regulation and maintenance of temperature indicators;
  • ensured the ventilation speed of eggs was 5 m/s;
  • guaranteed timely egg turning.

However, all this will be calculated during the actual collection, and first you should correctly calculate the size of the device and select all consumables.

How to calculate the size?

The dimensions of the finished homemade incubator will directly affect the number of eggs for one laying, so if it is important for you to get as many chicks as possible at a time, then we suggest focusing on the following approximate values:

As for the external dimensions of the device, they depend on the chosen material, because, for example, foam plastic will be more voluminous than cardboard. In addition, when manufacturing structures with several floors, completely different technologies will be used, which means that calculations will be made taking into account the parameters of each tier.

The size of the incubator will also be affected by:

  • type of heating system;
  • placement of lamps;
  • placement of trays.

In order not to make mistakes in calculations when designing an incubator, it is important to adhere to a pre-designed diagram, which for a small device for 45 eggs can look like this:

Consumables and tools for work

The design of an incubator has much in common with the design of a refrigerator, which will make a good case: the walls of the refrigeration equipment retain heat well, and existing shelves can be used as shelving.

The main list of necessary tools and materials will look like this:

  • old refrigerator (maybe the oldest model, but intact and working);
  • 25 W light bulbs (4 pcs.);
  • fan;
  • metal rod or chain with sprocket;
  • a drive that ensures the eggs are turned over (for example, a gearmotor from a car windshield wiper);
  • drill;
  • thermostat;
  • thermometer;
  • screwdriver and screws.

How to make an incubator with automatic tray turning with your own hands: video

Approximate diagram of the finished product:

Step-by-step manufacturing instructions

The entire process of making a home incubator from an old refrigerator will take only a few hours, as it consists of a small number of main steps:

  1. Development of drawings showing the clear location of every detail of the future incubator.
  2. Disassembling the refrigerator and removing all unnecessary parts: the freezer, trays on the doors and other elements of secondary importance.
  3. Organization of a ventilation system (you need to drill one hole in the ceiling of the refrigerator, and make three more in the lower part, closer to the bottom, inserting plastic tubes into them).
  4. Fastening sheets of polystyrene foam to the inner walls of the case (you can use double-sided mounting tape or small self-tapping screws).
  5. Installation of a heating system. The prepared 4 incandescent lamps must be secured at the bottom and top of the refrigerator body (two pieces each), and the lower lamps should not interfere with the placement of the water container (small self-tapping screws can be used for fastening).
  6. Installation of a purchased thermostat on the outer part of the door and its connection to the heating elements.
  7. Creating a turning mechanism using a car gearbox. To begin, use metal strips and self-tapping screws to secure this element to the bottom of the refrigerator. Then, install a wooden frame inside the device and attach the trays to it, only so that they can tilt 60°, first towards the door and then in the opposite direction. Attach a rod connected to the tray on the opposite side of the refrigerator to the gear motor (the motor will act on the rod, and it, in turn, will begin to tilt the tray and provide rotation).
  8. Installation of a viewing window. Cut a small hole on the outside of the refrigerator door and line it with glass or clear plastic. Reinforce all joints with tape or sealant.
  9. Installing a tray with water and attaching a thermometer inside the refrigerator, only so that it can be seen through the viewing window.

Finally, you should check the functionality of all mechanisms by turning on the device for several hours.

Laying eggs in the incubator

Before being placed in an incubator, all eggs must lie in the room for at least 8 hours, because if they were previously in cool conditions, then when placed in a warm incubator, condensation cannot be ruled out.
An equally important stage of preparation is the culling of unsuitable eggs.

So, the following specimens are not suitable for further incubation:

  • small size;
  • with cracks, growths or any other uncharacteristic features on the shell;
  • with freely moving yolk;
  • with a displaced air chamber (more than two millimeters).

The next stage is direct placement into the incubator, which also has its own characteristics:

  • on one tray it is advisable to place eggs close to each other in size, and preferably from the same type of bird;
  • first of all, the largest eggs should be laid out on the trays, followed by medium and small ones, taking into account the incubation period (on average, at least 4 hours should pass between the laying of each subsequent group);
  • if possible, it is worth moving the laying time to the evening hours, so that the chicks should appear in the morning;
  • It is advisable to place the incubator in a room with stable temperatures to make it easier for the device to maintain the indicators inside;
  • For complete control over the incubation process, get yourself a calendar in which you need to note the date of laying, the date and time of the turning, as well as the date of the control ovoscopy of the eggs.

The duration of incubation of different types of poultry has significant differences, which means turning the eggs should be done differently.
In addition, the conditions for embryo development will also vary:

  • for chicken eggs, the temperature inside the device must be monitored every hour, maintaining it at +37.9 °C for the first 11 days, with a humidity of no more than 66%;
  • for duck eggs, the optimal values ​​are +38…+38.2 °C, with a humidity of 70%.

Temperature conditions for different types of poultry

Suitable temperature is one of the most important conditions for incubation, without which hatching of chicks is simply impossible.

For each type of bird, these indicators are purely individual, so when laying eggs from chickens, ducks, geese or turkeys, you should focus on the following values:

In general, a homemade incubator is a good solution both for those who are just trying their hand at poultry farming, and for experienced farmers who do not want to spend extra money on purchasing ready-made equipment. By equipping the structure with automatic egg turning, you can achieve 80–90% hatchability of chicks.

homemade incubator with automatic turning using improvised means

Are you here

Pages

I made an incubator from a small refrigerator. 3 trays, the capacity of the trays is 30 chicken trays so far, but I will remake the trays. The engine is from the windshield wipers of the Muscovite 2141. The engine spins only in one direction, transmitting the reciprocating motion to the traction. There is only one limit switch, but in one full revolution of the engine it operates twice. Instead of a time relay, I used a dial alarm clock and a homemade contact goes off every hour for 20 seconds. To restart the engine after stopping, I used a five-output car relay. I used a computer power supply as a power supply.

As a result, it turned out that the revolution works absolutely without microcircuits; in addition, I used only a couple of diodes to delay the operation of the car relay and a light bulb so that the power supply does not turn off due to the relay, we can say that there is nothing to break :)

I tried installing a standard relay from the wipers RALD 10.3747 and adjusting the engine pause with a variable resistor. But it only worked for a few days. after which the engine began to make several full revolutions and then stop in the wrong place.

Now I installed relay 75 3777 and reduced the relay supply voltage with diodes, resulting in a slight response delay. Just enough to open the circuit breaker. Now everything works like clockwork :)

I have already tried hatching chickens with this incubator, the eggs did not fall out and did not knock. So everything worked out with the mechanics. Of the 12 test eggs, 9 chickens hatched, one turned out to be infertile, the second was broken by accident when I was fixing the goose eggs that can be seen in the photo, and the third turned out to be dead. I think 80% is not bad :) The temperature difference throughout the incubator is 0.1 - 0.2 degrees.

I apologize for the handicraft, but at the time I was collecting it, the financial supply was extremely limited and everything was assembled from scrap materials and in a hurry!

I recently rebuilt the trays and tray drive. Now, instead of three trays of 30 eggs, there are two for about 60 atoms and more chicken ones. 21 goose easily fit, although thirty could be squeezed in :) the trays were made from welded mesh with a diameter of 25*25*1.8mm, the frame was made from galvanized steel, bending it into a corner and connecting it with rivets and soldering

I also liked the thermometer as in the photo below, I checked the mercury level, the difference is 0.1 degrees, I installed it for myself to set the thermostat and it’s more convenient than taking out and shaking the thermometer. and it's not expensive.

If anyone is interested, ask! 🙂


Well, regarding the thermostat, I advise you to install an MRI scanner. MRT-1 or 2. I have an MRT-1. Accuracy 0.1 degrees, digital scale which is much more convenient than various thermometers and especially analogue regulators like KVOCHKA (crap Kvochka).
Regarding “falling out,” it’s not entirely clear how they can fall out teritically? Photos are not very high quality. If possible, I will ask the author to take a more detailed photo of this incubator. if it's not difficult of course.

I'll start with the thermostat. It is not analog (tstr 2) I bought it a long time ago for slightly different purposes
Technical data.
Supply voltage
160 -250V (50 Hz)
Temperature accuracy
±О.1°С
Adjustable temperature range
-55°С -+125°С
Maximum permissible switching power
2.0 kW

It’s not possible to take a better photo since I took the photo from a phone and recently damaged the case along with the camera, now the photo is taken with a crack and it turns out blurry.

About the eggs falling out. They can fall out of the trays while the tray is moving if it is laid very tightly (without partitions or cells for eggs), then the eggs located closer to the center begin to be squeezed out and fall out, this also happens if the angle of rotation of the tray is large, even with a sharp turn due to shocks when starting to move coupling mechanism and during a sudden stop. I got rid of this easily by simply attaching a piece of mesh over the tray, securing it with elastic bands for convenience and safety.

Your footnote doesn't work. This is some kind of forum where it’s not clear where to look for thermometers.
To make your problem clear to me, tell me how many eggs the incubator is planned for? I think there is no point in repeating the industrial scheme. You can take from it the basic parameters to ensure % hatching of eggs. This rotation must occur every hour. The rotation pattern must be equipped with a rotation counter. Otherwise, you won't know whether the turns work or not.
It is correct that the circuit is 12 volt. It is possible, during the incubation period, to supply a battery as a backup power supply. The inside of the chamber should be equipped with a fan that runs throughout the incubation period. But, once a day, the incubator turns off for 40 minutes - 1 hour, its doors open for free access of air. This is an imitation of the chicken going about its business, like eating, for example.
If there are a lot of eggs, well, 400 - 500 eggs, the incubator must be equipped with a cooling system. In the initial stage of incubation, a few days after the eggs are laid, they themselves begin to generate heat, and the heat loss through the walls of the incubator may not be enough to maintain a normal temperature in the incubator. Temperature variation is allowed +/- 0.3 C. In reality, it fluctuates +/- 0.1 - 0.15 degrees. In addition, a ventilation system must be provided - a constant flow of fresh air in small quantities. Otherwise the egg will suffocate. And in this regard, you cannot wash the hatching egg - its pores become clogged. On the other hand, it must be clean. In life, a chicken cleans an egg with its feathers. I didn’t know or forgot how this is done in the incubator. There is an assumption that it is cleaned with brushes, but I don’t know exactly how they do it in this case. I don't think I have anyone to ask. I also don’t remember how the egg goes into the tray (I never put it there, I just saw it), but I know for sure - not haphazardly. I am writing this so that you will pay attention to this.
Humidity control is carried out with a psychrometer. This end with mercury of an electric contact thermometer is wrapped in 3-4 layers of gauze (a narrow bandage) to which water is constantly supplied (the bandage is wet). With normal humidity in the incubator, the temperature on the thermometer is 7 degrees. less than the incubator temperature. (If you have the opportunity to check this, check it, I could also have forgotten) I stopped working as a poultry house power engineer in 1987, quite some time has passed. An increase in humidity in the incubator is achieved by dripping water onto the heating elements (heaters), and since they are quite hot, the water immediately evaporates. When the required humidity is reached, the solenoid valve shuts off the water supply.
i.caam.ru/sales/prom/rtutnij_kontaktnij_...H00030d04_339293.jpg
The eggs are placed vertically in the tray, with a blunt
end up, in a checkerboard pattern. In trays,
designed for chicken eggs, quail
eggs can be laid in two rows, and the day before
transfer the hatchlings to brood trays.
After filling the tray with eggs, it is advisable to
disinfect. The most accessible
method is household treatment
ultraviolet emitter for 5-8
min. from a distance of 40 cm.

"Start" is a regular toggle switch with a lock.
If, suddenly, something is not clear from the diagram, ask. TYPOGRAPHY - connect output DD1.3 and input DD1.4 together.

A timer is used to turn an electrical appliance on and off at specified intervals. Accordingly, the device for turning the trays in the incubator will determine after what time they will need to be turned over manually or they will do it automatically. Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase a ready-made incubator; some poultry farmers prefer to create this device themselves. In this case, it will exactly meet the necessary requirements. Next, we’ll look at how to make a timer for an incubator on a K176IE5 with a printed circuit board with your own hands, as well as a timer circuit for an incubator.

Device K176IE5

The K176IE5 chip is a counter that generates second pulses. It was specially created for use in electronic watches. But today it is used in many other electronic devices, including incubators.

The operation of the microcircuit is organized in a circle:

  • there is a slight delay when the timer fires;
  • LED flickers (34 pulses);
  • when voltage appears, the rotating device is turned on;
  • the LED flickers (34 pulses), but with a different frequency;
  • everything starts all over again.

How to set up a homemade timer for turning trays in an incubator? For long time delays, it is necessary to determine the time between adjacent blinks of the LED and multiply it by 34, and for small ones, short-circuit the second resistor and measure the time during which all 34 blinks of the LED occur. All this can be seen in the presented video. In the standard case, the pause in operation is from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and the operating time is about 40 seconds. During operation, the rotating mechanism manages to turn trays with chicken eggs 180 degrees, and with goose eggs - 90 degrees.

In a homemade timer, you can change the operating time of the rotary mechanism and pauses between operations. This can be done using three LEDs. The flip timer for the k176ie5 incubator with a printed circuit board can be seen in the diagram presented.

Device KR512PS10

A similar microcircuit to the K176IE5 (see photo) is the KR512PS10 microcircuit. Its peculiarity is that it can independently calculate both the operating time and the pause time. In this case, a pause in work can last several hours or even days, and the operating time ranges from several seconds to several hours. This device can be used both for turning eggs in an incubator, and for feeding fish in an aquarium, watering plants, and operating fans and refrigeration units.

The KR512PS10 circuit is designed for use in a device where the egg turning belt is located under the trays. In order for it to work optimally, it is necessary to detect the time of turning the trays 180 degrees and set it to the operating time. You also need to decide on the time after which you need to turn on the egg turning mechanism. For example, in home incubators, the turning of eggs is either turned on simultaneously with the heating elements, or after some time - most often after 3 hours. But in industrial incubation devices, trays are constantly turned over.

You can set up a timer for the incubator with your own hands as follows: short-circuit the first resistor and use a stopwatch to count the operating time of the rotating mechanism, which is usually 36 seconds, cancel the short-circuiting of the resistor and set the pause time. Separately, you can work out a mechanism that will determine whether there were power outages or not.

Automatic time relay (timer) APL-3 is used for turning eggs in the incubator.

New model! With universal timer power supply from 220V or 12 volts.

The device is used to form cyclic time delays at intervals specified in the device settings and to supply control voltage to the electric drive of tray rotating devices in incubators. The minutes timer can set a time interval from 1 to 999 minutes, and the seconds timer can set a time interval from 1 to 999 seconds. The device can be used to control other devices that are suitable for this operating logic.

The APL-3 device is designed to control reversible (RD-09, RD-54) and non-reversible AC motors powered from a 220 volt network, as well as DC motors with permanent magnets with a supply voltage of 12 volts.

It is possible to use electric motors from 12 volt screwdrivers or from electric car locks. Motors can be purchased at technical markets or at repair shops for the corresponding products. Recommendations are conditional, there may be other options.

The cycle time is set by the consumer by programming the device depending on the connection diagram used.

The device is operational with an input power of 12 volts DC or 220 volts alternating current and switches a current of no more than 10 Amps. If there is a small zero on the device indicator, the relay is de-energized, if there is a lightning sign, the voltage is applied to the relay. After applying voltage to the device, you can program the required time delays. To do this, select the desired parameter by pressing the button, confirm with the button and enter the parameter value. Then, using the same buttons, you can change the value of the parameters. After setting the parameter value, as well as after the last pressing of any button, after 5 seconds the system saves the set values ​​in non-volatile memory and goes into the main mode of processing parameters.

After setting the parameters, it is necessary to remove the supply voltage and reapply it.

The system will begin to process the set values.

BP1 is a parameter in which the cycle time is set in minutes from 1 to 999. For example, by setting the number 120, the device turns on the relay for 2 hours, and then turns it off for 2 hours, then turns it on again for 2 hours, and so on in a cycle until there is power voltage. If during operation you remove and then reapply the supply voltage, the time countdown will begin again. This parameter is used in circuits using reversible motors.

BP2 is a parameter in which the time is set in seconds from 1 to 999. This parameter is used when a circuit with a non-reversible motor is used. If a number other than zero is specified in this parameter, the operating logic of the device will be as follows: the time specified in parameter BP1 is processed while this relay is turned off, after this time the relay is turned on for the time specified in the parameter, then turned off again for the time specified in and so on in a cycle until supply voltage is present. For example, in the number 60, and in the number 20. In this case, the engine will turn on for 20 seconds every hour.
Video inspection:




Content:

The desire to receive more and give less is human. But it sometimes leads to the miser paying twice. This postulate can also be applied to incubators. The poultry farmer really needs it. Big, good and high quality is expensive. For example, the price of an incubator for 300 eggs is 29,000 rubles. A cheap one can last one season, and even spoil the hatching eggs. So it turns out that saving does not lead to good things.

But now for those who are “friendly with technology” and have skillful hands, there is an opportunity to both save money and get a reliable (there will be no one to blame) device that is very important for the poultry farmer. We are talking about a homemade incubator. Complete collection kits are available for sale, and the automation necessary to improve them is also sold separately.

Requirements for homemade incubators

Before assembling the incubator, you need to know the technical conditions that it must provide.

  • When incubating chicken eggs, the number of continuous days of its operation is 21 days.
  • Eggs in the incubator are laid at a distance of at least 10 mm from each other
  • The temperature in the incubator varies depending on the stage of development of the embryo in the egg.
  • In automatic mode, the eggs are turned over once every hour.
  • Optimal humidity and ventilation are maintained. Air speed 5 m/s.

Ready-made kits

To facilitate the work and increase the reliability of the future design, it makes sense to purchase a ready-made automation kit for a homemade incubator. For example, like the one in the picture below.

It includes:

  • Thermostat providing automatic visual control of temperature and humidity.
  • Sensors that scan the state of temperature and humidity inside the incubator.
  • Transformer 220/12 V.
  • Universal tray with automatic rotation. You can put either quail or chicken eggs in it.

The price of this set is 5,000 rubles. But you can be sure that the incubation process is going correctly. Temperature and humidity correspond to the specified parameters, and the turning of the eggs occurs on time.

If you are only interested in automatic egg turning, you can purchase a simpler kit.

This photo shows the overall dimensions of the device. They will tell you how to place it in the future incubator.

This kit consists of the following:

  • Reversible motor - 14 W, 2.5 rpm;
  • Stars - 1 meter;
  • Limit switches - 2 pcs;
  • Mounting bracket;
  • Connecting wires.

The kit is sold already assembled and configured. It just needs to be connected to the control thermostat. Price - 3990 rubles.

Connecting this device in a homemade incubator looks as shown in the diagram.

But motorized trays must be contained in some kind of housing. And it matters for the incubator. After all, inside it thermoregulation of air exchange is carried out for incubation of the egg. Therefore, the thermal insulation qualities of the material from which the incubator will be made are very important.

An excellent option for a case is an old refrigerator. Its body also has the properties of a thermostat, and the doors close conveniently and securely.

Converting a refrigerator into an incubator

Before you start assembling an incubator from an old refrigerator, you need to get rid of unnecessary parts and remove the freezer.

To ensure proper air exchange, you need to establish a ventilation system.

Ventilation and humidity

To ensure ventilation, two holes with a diameter of 30 mm are made in the refrigerator body. One is below, the other is above. Tubes are inserted into these holes. By completely or partially closing these openings, you will regulate the air exchange inside the device.

At the bottom, install a fan on rubber pads. You can use a computer fan. Place a cuvette filled with water nearby. With the help of the evaporation of this water it will be possible to regulate the humidity in the future incubator. Secure the heating elements. These can be ordinary incandescent lamps or heating elements.

In this case, air exchange occurs like this.

  • The air below is heated.
  • It is moistened with water vapor from the cuvette.
  • The fan drives the air flow upward.
  • Part of the heat is transferred to the hatching eggs;
  • Some of the air cools and is blown out.
  • After cooling, part of the air falls down, and the other enters from the outside through the lower hole.

Heating system

The simplest heating option is incandescent lamps with a power of 25 W. Four lamps are taken. Two are installed at the bottom, two at the top. Or you can use more powerful lamps (40 W), but take fewer of them (2 pieces). An alternative to lamps can be heating elements.

Trays and their rotation mechanism

You can buy a motorized tray made in China. They are also of high quality, and are cheaper than imported ones. Their kits include:

  • frame on which mini-trays with cells for eggs are installed;
  • power unit;
  • low-speed engine, eliminating sudden jerks when starting to move.

These are very convenient trays. Their rotation is carried out by a built-in motor, which just needs to be connected to the included power supply. The trays complete a full cycle (90 degrees) of rotation in two hours.

If you don’t want to use this very convenient solution, you can make the trays yourself. For example, from metal, wood and mesh or any other available material. The main thing is to install them without distortion in the body of a homemade incubator. Secure the rotary axes for the trays with brass bushings or use special bearing supports.

A chain drive can be used as a mechanism for rotating the trays. Its connection diagram is shown in the figure above, and what it will look like when installed is in the photo below.

Conclusion

It’s worth making an incubator yourself only if you have plumbing skills and are “friendly” with electrical engineering. Then you can significantly reduce your costs for purchasing this product. It won’t be completely free, but you will be able to purchase and install better and more reliable components.

All components of this device can be easily purchased. This was written about above. To control the entire mechanism, you will need to purchase a thermostat. And then apply your skills in plumbing.

As you can see, this option for equipping the turning mechanism is more troublesome than purchasing a mechanized tray. But the price gain is not so obvious.