Brinsea Ovation 28 EX User manual

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AF37 US Issue 01
Read the instructions before use! Do not cover!
Damaged appliances must not be used.
The appliance 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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AF37 US Issue 01
1Setting Up Your Incubator
Unpacking
Part Quantities
Assembly
Pump Setup
Location & Installation
2 Product Introduction –Functional Features
3Settings –Control Menu
4Display
5Temperature
6Humidity and Ventilation
7Eggs
8Periodic Incubation Cooling
9Hatching & Cleaning up
10 Specifications
CONTENTS
-
4
5
6
9
11
12
13
14
16
17
19
20
21
22

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AF37 US Issue 01
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
UNPACKING
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.
1: Remove the packaging and lift off the top of
the incubator.
2: Remove the card packing inserts and elastic
bands from inside the incubator.
3: Check that the electrical supply matches the
machine’s requirements (marked on the technical
label inside the clear top).
1.
2.

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AF37 US Issue 01
4
1
3
5
8
6
2
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
PART QUANTITIES
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: Long Pump Connector
2: Water Pump Tubing (4.3” / 110mm)
3: Short Pump Connector
4: Pump Cover
5: Top
6:Egg Carriers (4)
7: Link
8: Water Pan Covers (2)
9:Water Evaporation Block
10: Base
11:Silicon Water Tubing (10’ / 3m)
7
10
9
11

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1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
ASSEMBLY
1: There are two water pans. Fit the water
evaporation block into the correct water pan.
This is the one that has the water channel
flowing into it.
2: Place the water pan covers into their positions
in the base.
Do not add any water to the water pans.
2.
Water Channel
1.
Water Evaporation Block

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AF37 US Issue 01
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
ASSEMBLY
3: Fit the link into its slots ensuring the smooth
side is facing inwards.
4: Fit the egg carriers into the supports. The pegs
must fit in the sockets.
3.
4.
Link slots
Detail A
Detail B
Detail A
Detail B

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AF37 US Issue 01
5.
6.
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
ASSEMBLY
5: Place the top onto the base in the correct
orientation. The egg turning motor must sit over
the link. Check the top fits flush all the way
around the base edge.
6: Find a suitable water container (1pt to 2pt).
Place next to the incubator.
IMPORTANT: Do not place the water container
on top of the incubator or higher than the
incubator. This is to prevent the water siphoning
through and flooding the incubator. The water
container is best placed next to the incubator on
the same surface.
Please ensure the incubator is used on a water
resistant surface.

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AF37 US Issue 01
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
PUMP SETUP
The Ovation EX incubator uses a peristaltic water
metering pump to automatically control the
relative humidity of the air in the egg chamber.
Pumped water is fed to an expanded paper
evaporation block where warm air is drawn over
the large surface to effectively evaporate all the
water (none should collect under normal
conditions). This humidified air is then mixed within
the heating chamber so that the air drawn across
the eggs is of uniform humidity and temperature.
The pump is supplied with a water pump tube (4.3”
/ 110mm) and two pump connectors that are fitted
at each end of the tube. Use the tube diagram to
ensure your tube is cut to the correct length.
1: Ensure the long pump connector is in the correct
position with the nozzle passing through the slot
into the incubator as shown.
2: Cut the water container tube to length (a length
of silicon water tubing to connect the pump to the
water container). Leave enough spare so that the
incubator top can be easily removed and placed to
one side. Attach one end of the water container
tube onto the other side of the short pump
connector and feed the tube into your water
container.
1.
2.
Nozzle passing through slot
into the incubator
Long Pump Connector
Short Pump connector
(4.3” / 110mm)
Tube diagram to scale
Water container tube
Water pump tube

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AF37 US Issue 01
1 SETTING UP YOUR INCUBATOR
PUMP SETUP
3: Pull the short pump connector up over the
capstan, wrap around and pull over into the pump
connector’s slot. Follow the diagram on the
incubator, 1 –2 –3.
4: Fit the pump cover in place and gently tighten
the screw.
Check the water level in your water container
regularly.
Please check the condition of the tube after each
use. The peristaltic pump will need to have its
water pump tube replaced about every 3 months.
Cut a length of tube to 4.3” / 110mm. Remove the
connectors and pull off the old tube. Replace with
the new tube, avoiding twists. Use the diagram on
the product to assist and follow the instructions
above.
1
2
3
3.
4.
Pump Connectors Slot
Capstan
(3)
(2)
(1)
Screw
Pump cover

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AF37 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 cable to the incubator lid.
Ensure the connector is pushed fully home in its
socket.
1.
2.

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AF37 US Issue 01
2 PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
FUNCTIONAL FEATURES
1: Digital Display
2: Pump Cover
3: Control Buttons
4: Adjustable air vent
5: Egg Carriers (4)
3
1
4
2
5

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3 SETTINGS
CONTROL MENU
The diagram on the right illustrates how to
navigate through the control menu. Look at the key
below to understand what each button does when
pressed.
Press both buttons to unlock
the menu.
Select the option / return to the menu.
Go forward one screen / increase the
value / display in Celsius.
Go back one screen / decrease the value
/ display in Fahrenheit.
INCUBATION TEMPERATURE
Range 20.0 –40.0°C (68.0 –104.0°F).
Default 37.5°C (99.5°F). See section 5.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Range 20% –80%.
Default 20%. See section 6.
HIGH TEMPERATURE ALARM
Range 1.0 –5.0°C (1.8 –9.0°F) above set incubation temperature.
Default 2.0°C (3.6°F). See section 4.
LOW TEMPERATURE ALARM
Range 1.0 –5.0°C (1.8 –9.0°F) below set incubation temperature.
Default 3.0°C (5.4°F). See section 4.
CELSIUS / FAHRENHEIT DISPLAY
Switches all temperature figures between °C and °F.
Default °C. See section 5.
SAVE
All changes are saved. Return to normal operation screen.
CANCEL
All changes are ignored. Return to normal
operation screen.
TURNING MODE
Switches the turning system on or off.
Default ON.
TURNING INTERVAL
Sets the delay between turns.
Range 5 –180 minutes.
Default 45 minutes.
PERIODIC INCUBATION COOLING
Switches heater off for a timed period once every 24 hours.
Do not use before day 7 of incubation or whilst hatching.
Range 10 –360 minutes. Default - OFF. See section 8.
37.5C
OK -+
TEMP
OK 
RH%
OK 
T-MODE
OK 
TURN INT
OK 
ALARM HI
OK 
ALARM LO
OK 
COOLING
OK 
C/F
OK 
SAVE
OK 
CANCEL
OK 
RH 20%
EX ONLY
TURN ON
OK 0 1
MINS 45
OK - +
HI 2.0C
OK -+
LOW 3.0C
OK -+
MINS OFF
OK -+
DISP C
OK C F

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AF37 US Issue 01
4 DISPLAY
DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM
The Ovation EX control system utilises a highly
accurate, individually calibrated sensor for
temperature. Be cautious of low cost analogue or
digital thermometers when comparing them with
the incubator display reading.
(FIG 1)
Normal Operation –Temperature, relative humidity and turn system status are continuously displayed.
The asterisk “*” adjacent to the temperature reading shows when the heater power is on. When warming the asterisk will be
continuously on, once warmed up the asterisk will slowly flash as the heater is pulsed to maintain the correct temperature.
When reducing the temperature setting the asterisk may go off, this is normal.
During periodic incubation cooling (see section 8) the asterisk will be replaced by an arrow: “↓”.
The asterisk "*" adjacent to the humidity reading shows when the pump output is active (see section 8). The pump output will
not come on until the incubator is up to operating temperature and the set humidity level is greater than the measured
humidity level in the incubator.
If turning is switched off an “O” flashes at the corner of the display.
If turning is switched on a line “/” symbol rotates at the corner of the display.
Changing Settings –The Control Menu allows the various settings to be modified and saved. All settings are retained in the
event of a power cut.
To access the Control Menu press the +and –buttons simultaneously to unlock the display. For full details of menu settings
please refer to the contents on page 3 and view the relevant sections.
Power Loss Display (FIG 1) -- If power has been interrupted due to a power cut (or when first switching on) a “P” is shown
flashing in the corner of the display. Press OK for 2 or more seconds to clear the indicator. If the reason for the power loss is not
known check the power cable connections are secure.
Once the “P” indicator has been cleared, it is advisable to candle eggs a number of times to check for losses.
T*37.5
C
H 35%
P/
T*37.5
C
H 35%
T*37.5C
H 35% P/
Example settings for poultry:
Temperature: 99.5°F (37.5°C)
Humidity: 45%
Turning interval: 45 minutes (turn off
from day 19 and remove egg carriers)
Cooling: OFF
(Do not manually add water to the water
pans when the automatic humidity
control system is being used)

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AF37 US Issue 01
4 DISPLAY
(FIG 2)
(FIG 3)
(FIG 4)
(FIG 5)
T*32.1C
H 35% L/
High Temperature Alarm Display (FIG 2) –If the measured temperature inside the incubator goes up by more than the
figure in the ALARM HI screen, the alarm will sound immediately and “H” will be displayed. Press OK to silence the alarm for 30
minutes.
If the high temperature problem rectifies itself the “H” remains on the display to show this has happened. Press OK to clear
the indicator. Check the incubator is not (and has not been) in direct sunlight or too near a heat source such as a room heater.
It is advisable to candle eggs a number of times after this event to check for losses.
Low Temperature Alarm Display (FIG 3) –If the measured temperature inside the incubator goes down by more than
the figure in the ALARM LO screen, after 60 minutes “L” will be displayed and the alarm will sound. Press OK to silence the alarm for
30 minutes.
If the low temperature problem rectifies itself the “L” remains on the display to show this has happened. Press OK to clear the
indicator. Check the incubator is not (and has not been) in a cold draught and that the room temperature has not dropped
significantly. It is advisable to candle eggs a number of times after this event to check for losses.
Low Room Temperature Alarm (FIG 4) –If the calculated room temperature remains too low for optimum results for
more than 1 hour a warning is displayed “-RM” and an alarm will sound. Press OK to silence the alarm for 30 minutes.
If the low temperature problem rectifies itself the “-RM” remains on the display to show this has happened. Press OK to clear
the indicator.
Check the incubator is not (and has not been) in a cold draught and that the room temperature has not dropped significantly.
It is advisable to candle eggs a number of times after this event to check for losses.
High Room Temperature Alarm (FIG 5) –If the calculated room temperature remains too high for optimum results for
more than 1 hour a warning is displayed “+RM” and an alarm will sound. Press OK to silence the alarm for 30 minutes.
If the high temperature problem rectifies itself the “+RM” remains on the display to show this has happened. Press OK to clear
the indicator.
Check the incubator is not (and has not been) in direct sunlight or too near a heat source such as a room heater. The eggs
themselves create significant metabolic heating at later stages of incubation and may contribute to this if room temperature is
high. It is advisable to candle eggs a number of times after this event to check for losses.
T*37.5C
-RM /
T*37.5C
+RM /
T*39.8C
H 35% H/

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AF37 US Issue 01
5 TEMPERATURE
SETTING THE TEMPERATURE
1. Press the - and + buttons
simultaneously to unlock
the Main Menu.
2. Press OK to select the
temperature screen and
adjust as necessary using
the + and –buttons.
3. Press OK to return to the
Main Menu and then scroll
down to SAVE. Press OK to
save the changes.
When reducing temperature the asterisk may go
out while the incubator cools –this is normal.
Adjust temperature with care –small differences
have large effects on hatching performance.
CHANGING TO FAHRENHEIT
1. Press the - and + buttons
simultaneously to unlock
the Main Menu.
2. Scroll to the C/F option and
press OK to select the C/F
display screen.
3. Press the + button to select
°F or the –button to select
°C.
4. Press OK to return to the
Main Menu and then scroll
down to save. Press OK to
save the changes.
Please Note: Your incubator will be factory set for hen eggs, you may wish to adjust the temperature in the menu to suit the types
of eggs you are incubating.
As the incubator warms up and approaches its control setting the ‘heater on’asterisk “*” will change from continuously on to flashing.
Allow the incubator to stabilise for at least an hour before adjusting the temperature.
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
Parrots:
Amazons 98.3 –98.6°F 36.8 –37.0°C 24-29 days
Macaws 98.3 –98.6°F 36.8 –37.0°C 26-28 days
Love birds 98.3 –98.6°F 36.8 –37.0°C 22-24 days
African Grey 98.3 –98.6°F 36.8 –37.0°C 28 days
Eclectus 98.3 –98.6°F 36.8 –37.0°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.
The Ovation EX has a built-in temperature alarm which warns of high or low temperatures. See section 4 for details.

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AF37 US Issue 01
For more specific information on particular species’ requirements check the relevant literature.
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:Monitor humidity levels and adjust to match published guidelines for different species.
2: Monitor egg weight loss which varies as a direct result of humidity and correct 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.
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/BrinseaIncubationHandbook2016.pdf
6 HUMIDITY AND VENTILATION
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.
HATCHING
If the humidity level in the incubator is lower than
the Set Humidity Level the pump will start to turn
(sometimes brief pulses) and gradually draw water
from the tank and pump it to the evaporation card in
the incubator.
This may take a few hours to pump through and
stabilise after which the pump will run intermittently
as the humidity level is controlled.
Typical Humidity:
Generally accepted incubation RH levels for species groups:
During incubation: Poultry 40-50% RH
Waterfowl 45-55% RH
Parrots 35-45% RH
Hatching: All species 65% RH or more
Typical Weight Loss:
Typical ideal weight losses for species groups:
Poultry 13%
Waterfowl 14%
Parrots 16%

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AF37 US Issue 01
6 HUMIDITY AND VENTILATION
SETTING THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVEL
1. Press the - and + buttons
simultaneously to unlock the
Main Menu.
2. Press the + button to scroll to
the RH% option.
3. Press OK to select the RH%
screen and adjust as
necessary using the + and –
buttons.
4. Press OK to return to the
Main Menu and then scroll
down to SAVE. Press OK to
save the changes.
ADJUSTING THE VENT
Opening and closing the vent: Close the vent to
increase humidity or open the vent to decrease
humidity.
The pump will not run if the incubator is significantly below the set temperature (including during periodic incubation cooling –see
section 8). This is to prevent the system adding too much water when the top has been opened for inspecting eggs etc.
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 is in addition to the water added by
the pump.
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.
The control system may be set to control between 20 and 80% RH. 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
The humidity control system can only increase humidity, not actively reduce it. 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.
Check that water is reaching the incubator when the pump runs –if not check the whole length of the tubing for kinks and
check that the tubing around the pump has not become permanently flattened. If it has, try stretching it gently to open it. If
that fails replace the pump tube (see page 10). Silicone tubing is very flexible but can be damaged by sharp finger nails. A tiny
perforation on the suction side of the pump will let in air and prevent the pump drawing water.
The tubing around the pump must be replaced periodically, typically every three months but this varies with use. See page 10
for details.
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.
OPEN
CLOSE

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AF37 US Issue 01
7 EGGS
SETTING THE TURNING OPTIONS
1. Press the - and + buttons
simultaneously to unlock the
Main Menu.
2. Press + to scroll to the TURN
0/1 option.
3. Press OK to select the
turning mode screen and use
the + and –buttons to set to
ON or OFF as required.
4. Press OK to return to the
Main Menu. The TURN INT
option will now be displayed.
Press OK to select the turn
interval screen and use the +
and –buttons to set the
delay between turns in
minutes as required.
5. Press OK to return to the
Main Menu and then scroll
down to SAVE. Press OK to
save the changes.
STORING, SETTING AND TURNING EGGS
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.
The Ovation 28 EX is designed to accommodate eggs of different sizes from pheasant to duck eggs or larger/ smaller eggs using the
alternative egg carrier.
Before setting eggs ensure that the incubator has been running for several hours and has stabilised at the correct temperature.
Set the eggs in the egg carriers provided. The eggs need to be set lying flat or with their pointed ends facing down. Switch the turning
system on. A revolving line symbol “/” should be shown in the corner of the display.
Check the water level every 2 days or so and temperature daily. Candle the eggs after 1/3rd of the incubation period has elapsed to
reject clear, infertile eggs. Remember to stop the turning 2 days before the eggs are due to hatch.
Pointed ends of eggs facing down
Eggs lying flat

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AF37 US Issue 01
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON PERIODIC COOLING
The precise details of which days and what cooling period each day should be used for best effect are not known. Brinsea have assessed
the available research and suggest that poultry, water fowl and game bird eggs have a 30 minute daily cooling period from day 7
through to 2 days before eggs are due to hatch (the same point that automatic turning would normally be stopped).
COOLING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PARROTS AND BIRDS OF PREY BECAUSE THE RESULTS OF COOLING HAVEN’T YET BEEN
ESTABLISHED. For further details please visit the Brinsea website at www.brinsea.co.uk/cooling
HOW IT WORKS WITH YOUR INCUBATOR
The periodic cooling feature turns the incubator’s heater and low temperature alarm off for a selectable period but keeps the
fan running. After the cooling period is complete the incubator reverts to normal temperature and the alarm is automatically
reset.
Each cooling period starts at approximately the same time each day (24 hours between start times). The first cooling period
will start 24 hours after the incubator was last switched on. If there is a power interruption the 24 hour delay starts again.
During the cooling period the heater asterisk goes off and an arrow “↓” is displayed. When the cooling period ends the
asterisk is shown and the incubator warms to incubation temperature. The time taken to return to incubation temperature
depends on the room temperature and may take 30 or more minutes.
The humidity pump will not run during periodic cooling; humidity levels will rise as the air cools.
8 PERIODIC INCUBATION COOLING
SETTING THE COOLING PERIOD
The cooling function is not essential. It’s an optional
feature that may be adjusted for breeders wishing
to experiment. The factory default is set to “cooling
OFF”. Do not use before day 7 of incubation or
whilst hatching.
1. Press the - and + buttons
simultaneously to unlock the
Main Menu.
2. Press the + button to scroll to the
cooling option.
3. Press OK to select the cooling
screen. Use the + and –buttons to
select OFF or 10 to 360 minutes of
cooling.
4. Press OK to accept the figure and
then scroll to SAVE and press OK
to save the changes.