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This incubator was manufactured in 1993 and was used only 3 times during the Emu/Ostrich Craze. It has been upgraded to Microprocessor PID Temperature Control, tested, calibrated for accuracy, and is in perfect working condition. Originally built by Kuhl for incubating emu eggs, this incubator will most likely be used for chicken, duck, pheasant or quail, depending upon the flats used. Each tray measures about 24" x 24" meaning you should be able to get 4 12 x 12 egg flats on each tray, 8 if you double stack or 12 if you triple stack your eggs flats. In one of the photos I show pheasant/ bantam chicken trays stacked 3 high. Each of these trays holds 59 eggs. 3 x 4 x 3 x 59 = 2124 pheasant eggs. It can hold about 1400 Chicken eggs if you use stackable trays. (You can't stack chicken egg trays in a GQF Sportsman or many other models ) The quail egg capacity is huge, 120 eggs per flat x 12 flats on each tray x 3 trays = 4320. This is a large incubator. Of course it can still do Emu eggs and the original flats and dividers will be included. This already high quality Kuhl incubator has been upgraded to give it performance that rivals the finest commercial incubators available. The original Zytron Series 100 temperature controller, although it worked just fine, was replaced by a Microprocessor Controlled Digital PID ( Proportional- Integral -Derivative) process controller like those used with medical and laboratory incubators. This provides much more accurate and reliable control than either a standard "electronic" control or a wafer type switch. The PID controller has an Auto Tune feature that sets up the PID paramaters optimal temperature control. This make this unit as accurate or even more accurate than the $25,000 units used in the large commercial hatcheries. Temperature control accuracy is typically within .2 (2/10) degree F. The PID controller fires a new 25 amp solid state relay which in turn controls the stainless steel mica strip heaters which can last 30 years. Temperature can be adjusted in 1/10 degree increments. There are 2 levels of over temperature protection. One is via the microprocessor and can be set to any desired temperature and the other is via a traditional snap action thermostat separate from the controller. This unit has an automatic humidity system with low water alarm and shut down. This humidity unit makes gentle steam by heating water and can provide the extra humidity needed for any kind of eggs. The humidifier and control if bought new cost around $400-$600. A 5 gallon tank on the outside supplies the humidifier unit with water. If the water should run out, the humidifier element will shut off automatically, and an alarm will sound until the tank is refilled. Humidity control is typically within 5 percent. A supplemental heating element was added on the back wall in the air stream to allow the unit to be used if the ambient temperature is less than 70 degrees ( not really recommended). But a word of caution: It is not a good idea put an incubator outside in the elements and expect it to work properly, - it won't - not not even the best ones. The temperature swings can be quite drastic. You just can't see it because those dial type thermometers respond too slowly to show the variations. The PID controller updates the temperature display 10 times per second, so you can actually see the temperature in real time. To hold temperature accurately, an incubator - any incubator- needs to be in a stable environment, ideally between 70 and 90 degrees and out of the sun and wind. That means indoors in a heated or cooled building. The trays turn (tilt) automatically on a periodic cycle. A switch allows you to manually position the trays if needed. I don't know what more to say about this unit, except that it performs like a dream and I will guarantee that it will work for you. In fact, I will warranty this incubator against failure for 30 days after you pick it up which is time to get through one hatch cycle. If something should fail, I will send you the necessary parts to correct the failure. I will also give you online or telephone support for 90 days should you need it. All I ask is that the unit be used indoors and not out in the weather. Using this unit outdoors in the weather will void the warranty. The only flaw in this unit is that the Plexiglass (acrylic) door is crazed (normal) as seen in the pictures. This door can be replaced for about $75 or it can be polished out with a buffing wheel. But this only a cosmetic issue. This incubator new cost $4000. They are more now, lots more . It was used 3 times and put into protected storage. The PID process controller and solid state relay used int the upgrade cost about $200.00. What is this Kuhl incubator worth now? - You tell me. (You experienced poultry folks know what this is) What I know, is that to get this kind of performance and capacity in a new unit today, you will be paying a least $6,000 or more. But why pay that much when this unit is available? 1. Kuhl Model EMU-1512 Incubator with the customizations described in this listing. b. Microproccssor PID Control Upgrade 3. Original incubation trays,dividers & mats for Emu eggs. 4. Manuals for the Incubator and for the PID Controller 5. Original Zytron Series 100 Electronic Controller that was removed for the upgrade. 6. 30 day parts replacement warranty on: Heater elements, blower, PID controller, turning motor, timer, and humidity control system. 7. Online / telephone support. You will have to provide your own egg flats for eggs other than Emu. The three blue Pheasant Egg Flats shown in the picture will be included. I may have a few more egg flats around here the you can have as well. When you come to pick the unit up, I will set aside all the time you need for me to show you how to calibrate, program, and operate this unit. (please look at our rules and privacy policy) |
C_griffith@machine--tools.com (Cathleen Griffith) for additional information. This email is used for forwarding to newsgroup user.
