Successful incubation of eggs would be impossible if there were no stable temperature conditions. This process is provided by a special thermostat for an incubator, which maintains a level of ± 0.1 ° C, and can vary the temperature from 35 to 39 ° C. Such requirements are inherent in many digital devices and analog devices. A fairly decent and accurate thermostat can be done at home, if you have for this basic skills and knowledge in electronics.
- Device assignment
- Is independent production possible?
- The principle of operation of the thermostat: how the circuit works
- Self-manufacture scheme
- Connecting the thermostat to the incubator
Device assignment
The principle of operation of the thermostat - feedback, in which one controlled quantity indirectly affects the other. For artificial breeding of birds, it is very important to maintain the desired temperature, because even a slight glitch and deviations can affect the number of hatched birds - the thermostat for incubation is precisely for this purpose.
The device heats the elements so that the temperature remains unchanged even with changes in ambient air.In the already finished device there is a sensor for an incubator thermostat that controls the temperature process. 
Each poultry breeder must know the basics of the device’s workflow, especially as the connection scheme is very simple: a heat source is connected to the output wires, electricity flows through the others, and a temperature sensor is connected to the third wire through which the temperature value is read.
Is independent production possible?
If you decide to create a digital thermostat for an incubator yourself, it is worthwhile to approach the issue of creation responsibly. Those who know the basics of radio electronics and know how to handle measuring devices and a soldering iron can do this kind of work. In addition, useful knowledge of printed circuit boards, configuration and assembly of electronic devices.If you focus on factory products, you may encounter problems during assembly, especially during the instrument setup phase. For easier work, you need to choose the scheme available for the manufacture of the house.
The main criterion for any type of device is to ensure high sensitivity to internal temperature extremes, as well as a quick response to such changes.
To create a thermostat for the incubator with his own hands, mainly used scheme in two versions:
- the creation of a device with an electrical circuit and radio components is a complex method, but accessible to specialists;
- the creation of the device, based on the thermostat of household appliances.
The principle of operation of the thermostat: how the circuit works
Consider how the thermostat functions, created by hand. 
The basis of the device - operational amplifier "DA1", which operates in the voltage comparator mode.Voltage "R2" is supplied to one input, to the second - the specified variable resistor "R5" and trimmer "R4". However, depending on the application, “R4” may be excluded.
In the process of temperature change, the resistance "R2" also changes, and the comparator responds to a voltage difference by applying a signal to "VT1". In this case, the voltage on the "R8" opens the thyristor, injecting current, and after equalizing the voltage, the "R8" disconnects that load.
Control power is provided through the diode "VD2" and the resistance "R10". With a low current consumption, this is permissible, as is the use of the stabilizer "VD1".
Self-manufacture scheme
Many are wondering how to make a thermostat for an incubator with your own hands.
As an independent manufacturer consider a simple scheme - thermostat as a regulator. 
This option is simple to make, but no less reliable to use. The creation requires any thermostat, for example, from an iron or other household appliances.First you need to prepare it for work, and for this the thermostat housing is filled with ether, and then well sealed.
The ether tends to react sensitively to the smallest changes in air temperature, which affects changes in the state of the thermostat.
The screw, soldered to the body, is connected to the contacts. At the right time, the heating element is turned on and off. The temperature is set during rotation of the screw. Before laying eggs it is necessary to warm up the incubator. It is obvious that it is easy to manufacture a thermostat, and even a schoolboy who is passionate about electronics can do it. The circuit has no rare parts that cannot be obtained. If you yourself are making an "electric hen," it would be useful to provide a device for the automatic rotation of the eggs in the incubator itself.
Connecting the thermostat to the incubator
When connecting the thermostat to the incubator, you need to know exactly location and function of the device:
- thermostat must be outside the incubator;
- The temperature sensor goes down through the hole and must be at the level of the upper part of the egg, without touching them. A thermometer is located in the same area. If necessary, the wires are extended, and the regulator itself remains outside;
- heating elements should be located approximately 5 centimeters above the sensor;
- the air flow starts from the heater, goes further in the area of the eggs, then enters the temperature sensor. The fan, in turn, is located in front of or after the heater;
- The sensor must be protected from direct radiation from the heater, fan or lighting the lamp. Such infrared waves transmit energy through the air, glass, and other transparent objects, but do not penetrate through a thick sheet of paper.
