Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance Egg Incubator Instruction Manual

Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance Egg 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. Top
2. Water Pot Guard
3. Egg Quadrants for 24 hen eggs (x4)
4. Base
5.  Hatching Mat
6. Egg Quadrants for 12 duck eggs (x4)
7. Power Supply Unit (not shown in diagram)

ASSEMBLY

1. Fit the water pot guard to prevent chicks from drowning.
2. Place the egg quadrants in the base of the incubator. Ensure they are the correct way up and are locked together as shown.
3. Place the top onto the base. Check the top fits flush all the way around the base edge.

LOCATION AND INSTALLATION

Your incubator will give the 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 can not 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 b e 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. The use of a different power supply may cause a hazard and will invalidate any guarantee.

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES

1. Digital Display
2. Control Buttons
3. Adjustable Air Vent
4. External Fill Point
5. Egg Quadrants

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 to one screen / decrease the value/display in Fahrenheit.

DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM

The Maxi 24 Advance control system utilizes a highly accurate, individually calibrated sensor for temperature. Be cautious of low-cost analog or digital thermometers when comparing them with the incubator display reading.

• Normal Operation: Temperature, number of days remaining until the hatch is due and turn system status are continuously displayed.
  • The asterisk “*” adjacent to th e temperature reading shows when the heater power is on. When warming the asterisk will be continuously on, 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: “↓”.
  • 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 o n 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 ar e secure.
  • Once the “P” indicator has been cleared, it is advisable to candle eggs a number of times to check for losses.
• 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 alar m 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 or that the room temperature has 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 or 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.

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 b e 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 continuing on to flashing. Allow the incubator to stabilize for at least an h our before adjusting the temperature.

• Developing embryos are fairly tolerant of short-term temperature drops and the user need not be concerned about cooling that occurs when inspecting eggs. T emperatures above ideal can quickly have a serious detrimental effect on hatch rates and must be avoided.
• The Maxi 24 Advance has a built-in temperature alarm that warns of high or low temperatures. See section 4 for details.

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
• Waterfowl: 40-50% RH and 45-55% RH
• 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/BrinseaIncubationHandbook2016.pdf

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 24 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.

SETTING THE DAY COUNTDOWN

The day countdown may be set to the correct number of days for the particular species of egg being incubated. If the turning system is in automatic mode (see page 15) the eggs will stop being turned 2 days before the eggs are due to hatch. Note that if the eggs have already been incubated by the parent bird the number of days should be reduced accordingly..

1. Press the – and + buttons simultaneously to unlock the Main Menu.
2. Press + to scroll to the DAY countdown option
3. Press OK to select the day countdown screen and adjust as necessary using the + and buttons e.g. hens 21, ducks 28.
4. Press OK to return to the Main Menu and then scroll down to SAVE. Press OK to save the changes.

EGG SETTING AND 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. Before setting eggs ensure that the incubator has been running for several hours and has stabilised at the correct temperature. The Maxi 24 Advance is designed to accommodate eggs of different sizes. Quail eggs, hen eggs and large duck eggs are accommodated in the egg quadrants provided. Goose eggs and a greater number of quail eggs may be accommodated in alternative egg quadrants for these species (supplied separately). See page 18 for details. Set the eggs in the pockets of the egg quadrants provided. The eggs need to be set lying flat and most eggs favour being set with their pointed ends facing inwards towards the middle of the egg quadrant. Some experimentation may be required to check which direction gives the most even turning. Very small eggs typically favour being set with their points towards the centre. Eggs should rest so that their pointed end is down most of the time. This will happen more naturally as the air space gets larger during incubation. If a particular egg is tending to rest point upwards turn it round to face the other way in the pocket on the egg quadrant.
Ensure the eggs are clean around their middle as large pieces of dirt may prevent them turning correctly. Switch the turning system on (see page 15). The turning system will alternately roll the eggs left and right. A revolving line symbol “/” should be shown in the corner of the display. 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 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. Turning will stop automatically if the turning mode is set to auto and the correct incubation days are set

SETTING THE TURNING OPTIONS

1. Press the – and + buttons simultaneously to unlock the Main Menu.
2. Press + to scroll to the MODE option.
3. Press OK to select the turning mode screen and use the + and – buttons to set to ON, AUT 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. The TURN ANG option will be displayed. Press OK to select the turn angle screen and use the + and – buttons to set the turning angle timer as appropriate for the size of the eggs.
6. Press OK to return to the Main Menu and then scroll down to SAVE. Press OK to save the changes.

TURNING EGGS

The Maxi 24 Advance turning system has three modes of operation: ON – The turning system will alternately roll the eggs left and right irrespective of the Day Countdown. A revolving line symbol “/” is shown in the corner of the display. AUTO – The turning system will alternately roll the eggs left and right until the Day Countdown reaches 2. Turning will then automatically be switched to OFF and an “O” will flash in the corner of the display. OFF – The turning system is switched off irrespective of the Day Countdown. This is used for hatching purposes. An “O” will flash in the corner of the display. The length of time interval between turns may be adjusted and the angle the eggs are turned through may also be adjusted to suit different size eggs. The turning motor runs for a set time and this time (in seconds) can be adjusted to achieve the appropriate turn angle for the eggs. Larger eggs will require a longer turn to achieve the same angle as smaller ones. Use the chart below for a simple guide. Match the TURN ANG setting to the diameter of the eggs. This should give a turn angle of between 90 and 120 degrees. If eggs of mixed sizes are being incubated it will be necessary to compromise the turning angle. In general, if the larger eggs turn through 90 degrees (1/4 of a turn) then the smaller ones may turn through twice this with no problem. Parrot-like species may benefit from larger turns in the first 10 days of incubation. If eggs are set in both circles of pockets on the egg quadrants the outer circle of eggs will turn through a greater angle. This will not be a problem, adjust the turning angle so that the inner circle of eggs turn through 90 degrees (1/4 of a turn). If the turning mode is switched to ON remember to stop the turning 2 days before the eggs are due to hatch.

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.

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.

HATCHING

1. If hatching in the Maxi 24, make sure turning is switched to OFF in the control menu two days before the hatch is due.
2. Remove the top, take out the egg quadrants and 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). 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, EGG QUADRANTS, COVERS OR CABINET PARTS IN LIQUIDS OVER 50°C (120°F). DO NOT USE A DISHWASHER TO CLEAN ANY PARTS OF THE INCUBATOR.
Following each hatch in the Maxi 24 Advance remove and wash the egg quadrants, and 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 mains cable connector is fully engaged in the socket on the control enclosure. The digital temperature and humidity display is individually calibrated during manufacture but may be re- calibrated if required. In the unlikely event that your hatching success makes you doubt the temperature or humidity calibration of your machine please contact your distributor or Brinsea directly at sales@brinsea.co.uk for further information and advice.

MAXI 24 MAXIMUM SETTING CAPACITIES

• Quail: 40
• Pheasant: 24
• Hen: 24
• Duck: 12
• Goose: 8

Brinsea Products Inc., 704 N Dixie Ave., Titusville, FL 32796-2017 USA.
Phone: 321-267-7009
Toll-Free: 1-888-667-7009
Fax: 321-267-6090
e-mail sales@brinsea.com
website www.brinsea.com

References

• Home
• Periodic Cooling in Incubation
• Brinsea - Your Incubation Specialists

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