temperature readings

[Kirksherps]

ok here is my situation. i have a natures spirit incubator with a helix dbs-1000thermostat set at 83 degrees my first clutch of eggs hatched 63 and 66 days. it seemed like that was way too long for that temp. last year i was hatching eggs at the same temp and averaged 55 days 10 less then my first clutch this year. i put a temp probe in and it read 81 degrees the i tried another temp probe and it read 82 degrees. so now that i have 3 different temp readings which one is correct? or do i just adjust the helix a bit ?
Thanks Kirk

 

[fallen_angel]

I would adjust the helix a bit until you get the reading you want from the temp probe(s).

 

[killagreen]

Jess is right. Just adjust your helix until you get the desired temp with your probe. You can never completely relie on any 1 device. There are other variables like the temp in your house. The temp in your egg container. Just check and check again. Happpy Hatching

 

[Franks_Geckos]

Kirk,
I suspect my Helix is definitely reading over what the temp really is as well by 2 or 3 degrees. My clutches are hatching at 65 days this year (instead of 45-53 days). I bumped the setpoint up from 81 to 83 to compensate a bit. Of course, mine is hooked up to a Tiny Giant incubator and not a Nature's Spirit, but the variation between the controller tem probe and the other probes I have is not surprising at all. I made a small incubator last week so I wouldn't run out of room for eggs, but I still have to make some minor adjustments to it and will have to run it on the same Helix as the Tiny Giant or on a manual dimmer I made to incubate for males.

 

[2.1SRR.YYC]

Where is your Helix probe placed in the incubator?

Casey recommends that you place it in the direct path of the fan about 6-8 inches out.

This makes sense as it will read the temperature of the circulating air within the box. Some people place the probes in a "dummy" container. The probe should always be placed in the medium that changes fastest when the temperature changes. This would be the air...

 

[Kirksherps]

i put the probe on the middle shelf towards the back and secured it with zip ties i dont want that sucker pilling out if ya know what i mean. but i put the other 2 probes in the same spot and got 3 different readings. how do i know whats accurate? i guess it doesnt really matter as long as the eggs are hatching right ! thanks guys! see you in a week frank.

 

[Mel&Keith]

I think the Helix on our NS is set at 83 and we have 2 thermometers inside at different points and they average 82-83 degrees. We get 60 day hatches on average at 82 degrees.