Brinsea Maxi II eco User manual

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AC25 US Issue 01
Read the instructions before use! Do not cover!
This appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided with the appliance.
Damaged appliances must not be used.
The appliance, its power supply unit and its supply cord must be placed in an indoor area not subject to splashes of water or wet conditions and
protected from or out of reach of animals.
Repairs must be carried out only by a suitably qualified person.
This appliance must not be used, cleaned or maintained by children or persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of
experience and knowledge without supervision. Children must not play with the appliance.
Disconnect the incubator from the mains power supply during cleaning. Ensure that all electrical parts are kept dry.
Please read these instructions carefully before setting up your incubator to achieve best results and keep these instructions safe for future reference.
This document includes recommended procedures for successful hatching but incubation involves the control and manipulation of a large number of factors and in
certain circumstances different procedures may be necessary.
For more detailed information on all aspects of egg incubation including helpful advice on getting best results please visit our website at www.brinsea.com
Your incubator is designed to allow the user to vary the incubation conditions to suit a wide range of species in different ambient conditions and the specific set-up for
every situation is beyond the scope of these instructions.
For more information on incubation and hatching please download our FREE Incubation Handbook: www.brinsea.com/brochures/BrinseaIncubationHandbook2016.pdf
To register your new Brinsea product please visit www.brinsea.com and follow the link on the right hand side of the home page to qualify for your free 3 year
guarantee.
Record your appliance serial number here: __________________

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AC25 US Issue 01
1Setting Up Your Incubator
Unpacking & Part Quantities
Assembly
Location & Installation
2 Product Introduction –Functional Features
5Temperature
6Humidity
7Eggs
9Hatching & Cleaning up
10 Specifications
CONTENTS
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4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13

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4
3
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
UNPACKING & PART QUANTITIES
Your incubator has been supplied in protective
packaging. Please remove all tape, strapping and
packing from the incubator and parts. Retain the
carton and packing materials to enable the unit to
be repacked.
Check that your electrical supply matches that
marked on the power supply unit.
The diagram shows all the parts that have been
supplied to you. Ensure you have the correct
quantities of each part. If there are any parts
damaged or missing please contact your retailer or
Brinsea Products (at the address at the end of the
document). Damaged appliances must not be
used.
1:Temperature Adjustment Screwdriver
2: Rear Cover
3: Top
4: Water Pot Guard
5:Base
6:Hatching Mat
7:Power Supply Unit (not shown in diagram)
5
2
1
6

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AC25 US Issue 01
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
ASSEMBLY
1: Fit the water pot guard to prevent chicks from
drowning.
2: Place the top onto the base. Check the top fits
flush all the way around the base edge.
1.
1
2
3
2
1
2.

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AC25 US Issue 01
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
LOCATION AND INSTALLATION
Your incubator will give best results in a heated
room free from wide temperature variations and
with generous ventilation –particularly if several
incubators are running at the same time.
Ensure that the room temperature cannot drop on
a cold night. Ideally thermostatically control the
room at between 68 and 77°F (20 and 25°C). Never
allow the room temperature to drop below 63°F
(17°C).
Make sure that the incubator cannot be exposed to
direct sunlight and is used on a flat, level surfaced
worktop or table, not on the floor.
Connect the mains power cable to the power supply
unit and connect the power supply unit cable to the
incubator lid. Ensure each connector is pushed fully
home in its socket.
Only use the power supply unit supplied with the
product. Use of a different power supply may
cause a hazard and will invalidate any guarantee.
1.
2.

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AC25 US Issue 01
2 PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
FUNCTIONAL FEATURES
1: Heater indicator LED
2: Temperature Adjuster (Inside Rear Cover) See
section 5.
3: Adjustable Air Vent
4: Spirit Thermometer
5: External Fill Point
1
5
2
3
Example settings for poultry:
Temperature: 99.5°F (37.5°C)
Humidity: Fill one side of the central
water pot, set vent to minimum
Turning interval: 3 times per day
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AC25 US Issue 01
5 TEMPERATURE
SETTING THE TEMPERATURE
Stable and correct temperature is essential for
good results. Adjust with care.
Your incubator has been factory set to the correct
temperature for most species (99.3 –99.7°F) but it
is advisable to check the temperature and follow
this procedure:-
1: As the incubator warms up and approaches its
control setting the red LED will change from
continuously on to flashing. Allow the incubator to
stabilise for at least an hour before adjusting the
temperature.
2: Gently insert the temperature adjustment
screwdriver into the adjuster screw hole and turn
it until it engages in the screw slot. Do not force an
inappropriate screwdriver into the housing, it may
damage the adjustment unit and invalidate the
guarantee.
Turn clockwise to increase temperature,
anticlockwise to reduce it. ¼ of a turn is
approximately 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Make very
small adjustments and allow time for the
temperature to stabilise between adjustments.
Refer to the thermometer to check temperature.
Adjust temperature with care –small differences
have large effects on hatching performance.
Recommended temperatures: Typical incubation period:
Hens 99.3 –99.6°F 37.4 –37.6°C 21 days
Pheasant 99.6 –100.0°F 37.6 –37.8°C 23-27 days
Quail 99.6 –100.0°F 37.6 –37.8°C 16-23 days
Ducks 99.3 –99.6°F 37.4 –37.6°C 28 days
Developing embryos are fairly tolerant of short term temperature drops and the user need not be concerned about cooling
that occurs when inspecting eggs. Temperatures above ideal can quickly have a serious detrimental effect on hatch rates and
must be avoided.
Heater indicator LED
Temperature Adjustment Screwdriver
Adjuster screw hole
Temperature Adjustment Screwdriver
+
-
1
2

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AC25 US Issue 01
6 HUMIDITY
UNDERSTANDING HUMIDITY
Short term variations in humidity are not important.
The average humidity over the incubation period
needs to be near optimum to achieve the ideal
weight loss.
High humidity for the day or two of hatching is also
important. Beware chronic, excessive humidity.
Typical Humidity:
Generally accepted incubation RH levels for species
groups:
During incubation: Poultry 40-50% RH
Waterfowl 45-55% RH
Hatching: All species 65% RH or more
Typical Weight Loss:
Typical ideal weight losses for species groups:
Poultry 13%
Waterfowl 14%
For more specific information on particular species’
requirements check the relevant literature.
CONTROLLING HUMIDITY
Two factors affect incubation humidity: water evaporation within the cabinet (from eggs as well as from additional water) and
levels of ventilation. The water content of the air being drawn through the incubator will also have an effect.
There are two methods available to bird breeders to achieve correct humidity levels:
1: As a general guide for poultry/game/waterfowl, maintain water in one of the two halves of the central water pot from
the time eggs are set until 2 days before hatching is due - the depth of water doesn’t matter.
For all species fill both halves of the water pot for the last two days of incubation. Higher humidity levels are needed for
hatching to prevent membranes drying too quickly. Ensure the water pot guard is fitted to prevent chicks drowning.
The above guidelines make no provision for different ambient conditions and are necessarily rather generalised but they
are simple and often effective.
2: Monitor egg weight loss (which varies as a direct result of humidity) and correct them against published weight loss
figures for the species. This is the most reliable method and is recommended –particularly where poor hatch rates are
experienced or if eggs of high value are being incubated.
Eggs lose moisture through their shells and the rate of evaporation depends on the humidity levels around the eggs and
the shell porosity. During incubation eggs need to lose a fixed amount of water which corresponds to a loss in weight of
around 13-16% depending on species. By weighing eggs periodically during incubation it is possible to monitor and, if
necessary, correct humidity levels to achieve the correct weight loss.
HATCHING
In all cases the humidity for hatching needs to be high. Because of the short duration involved water/weight loss will not be
significantly affected. High humidity is necessary to prevent membranes drying and hardening before the hatch fully emerges.
Humidity will naturally increase as the first eggs begin to hatch and internal membranes begin to dry. This effect is in addition to
the increased area of water evaporation from the water pots. During hatching the high humidity levels will fall dramatically when
the lid is opened and will take some time to build up. Resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently –leave for at least 6 hours
between inspections.
For more detailed information on all aspects of egg incubation including helpful advice on getting best results please visit our
website at www.brinsea.com/brochures/BrinseaIncubationHandbook.pdf

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AC25 US Issue 01
6 HUMIDITY
SETTING THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVEL:
USING THE EXTERNAL FILL POINT
The humidity in the incubator can be adjusted by
adding water to one or both halves of the central
water pot. (If you want to decrease humidity don’t
add water).
The Maxi II has an external water fill point allowing
the water level to be checked and filled up without
removing the top of the incubator.
To fill the first half of the water pot, carefully add
water to the external fill point. Keep the water level
below the depth mark (see picture). The water will
flow through the tube and fill one half of the central
pot.
To increase humidity further, fill both halves of the
central water pot by continuing to add water to the
external fill point to above the level of the depth
mark. Water will flow through the tube and over the
divider wall to fill the second half of the pot.
Maintain the water level above the depth mark.
ADJUSTING THE VENT
Opening and closing the vent: Close the vent to
increase humidity or open the vent to decrease
humidity.
In practice the minimum and maximum levels of humidity achievable in an incubator depend upon several factors including the
ambient conditions in the incubation room. You may need to allow 24 hours for humidity to fully stabilise after making changes.
If you cannot achieve the relative humidity level required consider these notes:
Humidity will not go low enough
Open the vent fully to help.
A lower limit will be determined by the moisture content of the ambient air, particularly in warm humid conditions. This
can only be countered by dehumidification of the room air outside the incubator with a proprietary dehumidifier but is
rarely a problem in practice.
Humidity will not go high enough
Close the vent to its minimum setting to help. Fit evaporating card strips available from Brinsea or your stockist.
Condensation
It is normal for some condensation to occur on the cooler exposed parts of the clear top. This natural phenomenon is not a hazard or
a problem for incubation but may indicate the room is cooler than optimum.
Depth mark
External fill point
Central pot
Divider wall
OPEN
CLOSE

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AC25 US Issue 01
EGG STORING
Ensure that you store eggs in cool, damp conditions. Most species may be safely stored for up to 14 days before serious reductions in
hatch rates are likely. Daily turning of stored eggs also helps maintain hatchability.
Discard cracked, mis-shaped and heavily soiled eggs (if possible). Only wash soiled eggs using a branded egg wash solution such as
Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant Concentrate following the manufacturer’s instructions. It is essential to wash eggs in solution which is
significantly warmer than the egg. Bear in mind that all solutions will remove the outer cuticle from the egg as well as the dirt and may
leave the egg at greater risk from bacterial contamination in the future.
EGG SETTING
Before setting eggs ensure that the incubator has been running for several hours and has stabilised at the correct temperature.
The Maxi II Eco is designed to accommodate eggs of different sizes up to duck eggs. Some experimentation may be necessary to
maximise capacity.
Set the eggs at least 2cm in from the edge of the incubator base so that they are clear of the “skirt” of the lid when it is fitted.
Once the eggs have been set the temperature must not be adjusted for 24 hours to allow the eggs to warm. Check the water level every
3 days or so and temperature daily. Candle the eggs after 1/3rd of the incubation period has elapsed to reject clear, infertile eggs.
7 EGGS
EGG TURNING
Mark each egg with a pencil “X” one side and “O”
the other. This ensures that you can see which
eggs you have turned. Turn three times a day
starting on the second day.
Always turn about the pointed end to reduce the
chance of damaging the internal structures of the
egg.
The eggs are set at least 2cm in from
the edge of the incubator base

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AC25 US Issue 01
9 HATCHING & CLEANING UP
HATCHING
1:If hatching in the Maxi II, remove the top of the
incubator.
2:Insert the hatching mat into the base two days
before the hatch is due. Lay the eggs directly onto
the mat. Don’t re-use hatching mats. Replacements
are available from brinsea.com or your local stockist
(product code 14.902).
3:Put the top back on.
Hatching humidity levels need to be high (see
section 6 above). Fill both halves of the central
water pot.
When most eggs have hatched (12 to 48 hours after
the first egg hatches) remove the hatchlings to a
brooder. The Brinsea EcoGlow 20 and 50 are ideal
for poultry and waterfowl etc. The Brinsea TLC-40
and TLC-50 Brooders are recommended for exotics.
During hatching the high humidity levels will fall
dramatically when the lid is lifted and will take
some time to build up. Resist the temptation to
open the incubator frequently –leave for at least 6
hours between inspections.
CLEANING UP
IMPORTANT:
DISCONNECT THE INCUBATOR FROM THE MAINS POWER SUPPLY DURING CLEANING.
ENSURE THAT ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS ARE KEPT DRY. DO NOT IMMERSE THE INCUBATOR TOP.
NEVER WASH THE BASE, COVERS OR CABINET PARTS IN LIQUIDS OVER 120°F (50°C). DO NOT USE A DISHWASHER TO CLEAN ANY PARTS
OF THE INCUBATOR.
Following each hatch in the Maxi II Eco wash the base in Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant Solution and then rinse thoroughly. Use a
vacuum cleaner and soft brush to remove dust from the fan guard. Wipe all other internal surfaces with a cloth made damp with the
solution and then wipe off with a cloth made damp with clean water. Ensure that the instructions supplied with the fluid are followed.
If a separate hatcher is used the procedure above should still be followed every two months.
The exterior of the incubator may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid allowing any moisture to get inside electrical housings.
Periodically unscrew the four screws retaining the fan guard, remove the cover and soak. Dust and fluff may be removed from the fan
and heater cord with a soft brush. USE NO LIQUIDS. DO NOT TURN THE LID OVER AS THE FAN IS NOT FIXED ONCE THE FAN COVER IS
REMOVED. The fan must be located on the 4 pegs under the lid with its label facing into the lid before the cover is re-fitted. DO NOT
OVER-TIGHTEN THE SCREWS.
ALWAYS CLEAN THE INCUBATOR BEFORE STORAGE AND ENSURE THAT THE UNIT IS TOTALLY DRY INSIDE AND OUT. ALLOW IT TO RUN
FOR 24 HOURS WITH NO WATER IN TO ENSURE IT IS THOROUGHLY DRY.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING AND CALIBRATION
In case of failure first check that the mains power supply is working and that the cable connector is fully engaged in the socket on the
control enclosure.
Please contact Brinsea directly at [email protected] for further information and advice.

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AC25 US Issue 01
10 SPECIFICATIONS
MAXI II MAXIMUM SETTING CAPACITIES:
Egg size Typical capacity
Quail 90
Pheasant 54
Hen 30
Duck 20
Dimensions: 13.9” x 13.9” x 6.5”
354mm x 354mm x 165mm
Weight: 3lb 1oz (1.384 Kg)
Power Consumption:
Incubator maximum 40 Watts
(typical average) 24 Watts
Electrical Supply: 100 - 240v, 50/60Hz, 1.3A
max.
30 hen eggs
20 duck eggs
90 quail eggs
54 pheasant eggs
Brinsea Products Inc., 704 N Dixie Ave.,
Titusville, FL 32796-2017 USA.
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-888-667-7009
Fax [phone]
e-mail [e-mail]
website www.brinsea.com