> Has anyone got plans for manufacturing a 30 queen incubator I have a
> few ideas. I am looking for a thermostat at the moment and have been
> considering reptile breeding tanks etc.
 
We use a commercial chicken egg incubator made from expanded
polystyrene.  Cost was about $100 CAD (43 pounds Sterling).
 
Any single stage incubator is only as stable in temperature as the
room in which it is located.  For *real* stability, a unit with double
walls and two regulator/heater arrangements is necessary IMO.
 
However this unit works fine if the ambient is controlled at all.  We
use it in the truck with a small Statpower inverter for 110V power
sometimes.
 
The biggest hazard is the sun.  If it shines on the box at all, the
temperature skyrockets.
 
I've used an old fridge with a 60-100 Watt bulb for a heater and a
commercial adjustable 110 VAC thermostat, however it was not entirely
accurate either.  Swings of 5 or more degrees F were *not* uncommon.
I used a Radio Shack remote reading thermometer for reporting.  It
was quite accurate and responsive.  An electronic fever thermometer
is sufficiently accurate and reasonable responsive too.
 
I think these temperature swings are why 92 degrees F is usually
used rather than the 95.5 F that the bees themselves use.
 
Slightly cool temps are less harmful than even short term overheating
of several degrees.
 
IMO anyhow.
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>