Among the many factory-made incubators, the Layer device is in good demand. A manufacturer from Novosibirsk produces models Bi 1 and Bi 2. They are almost the same in design. In general terms, the device consists of a box, inside of which there is a grate for eggs and a heating element. The temperature is maintained by automation, which includes a control device. The thermostat is used for the Bi incubator of two types: digital and analog. We will now talk about the differences between automation and the devices themselves.
General characteristics
Let’s start the review of incubators Bi 1 and Bi 2 from the body. It is made from foam. Due to this, the manufacturer reduced the cost of the product. Incubators with similar characteristics, with a plastic or plywood body, are more expensive. Plus, the weight of the device itself has decreased.
This is where all the advantages end. The hatching egg gives off a lot of unpleasant odors. It may be infected or simply rotten. All these secretions are absorbed by the foam. After each incubation, the body will have to be carefully treated with a disinfectant. In addition, the foam is brittle. He is afraid of the slightest mechanical influences, as well as cleaning with abrasive substances.
The bottom of Bi 1 and Bi 2 incubators is made with recesses for water. The manufacturer refused to use remote baths, as they take up free space. Water in the incubator is needed to maintain the required microclimate.
Automation is the heart of the device. The degrees inside the incubator can be monitored by the built-in thermometer. But to regulate the temperature, you need a thermostat. On models Bi 1 and Bi 2, two types of device are used:
- In an analog temperature controller, the temperature change is performed mechanically. That is, turn the handle to the right – add degrees, turn to the left – reduce the heat. Typically, an analog thermostat is characterized by an accuracy of readings of 0,2оC.
- More accurate and convenient is the digital thermostat, where all the data is displayed on an electronic display. Advanced models are equipped with an additional humidity sensor. Such temperature controllers display data on the temperature and humidity level inside the incubator on the scoreboard. On a digital device, all parameters are set with buttons and stored in memory. As for the temperature error indicator, for an electronic thermostat it is 0,1оC.
Any Layer Bi 1 or Bi 2 on the top cover is equipped with a small window. Through it, you can observe the condition of the eggs and the appearance of the chicks. In the event of a power outage, the incubator can operate on battery power for up to twenty hours. The battery is not included. If necessary, the poultry farmer buys it separately.
Model I 1
Layer Bi-1 is sold in two versions:
- Model Bi-1-36 is designed for laying 36 eggs. As a heater, conventional incandescent lamps are used.
- Model BI-1-63 is designed for simultaneous incubation of 63 eggs. Here, heating is already carried out by special heaters.
That is, the difference between the models lies only in the capacity of the eggs and the type of heating elements. Both models can have automatic egg turning. There is a complete set of Layers Bi-1 with a digital temperature controller that has the function of a psychrometer. It allows you to receive on the display information about the level of humidity and temperature inside the incubator.
Model B-2
The Bi-2 incubator is designed for a large capacity of eggs. This is the main difference between the model and the Layer Bi-1. As in the case of the considered device, the Bi-2 is also available in two modifications:
- Model BI-2-77 is designed for incubation of 77 eggs. Among this modification, this device is considered one of the best. The incubator is equipped with a powerful and high-quality thermostat that allows you to accurately maintain the set temperature in all parts of the free space around the eggs. The maximum error can be as low as 0,1оC. During operation, the BI-2-77 consumes a maximum of 40 watts.
- Model BI-2A is designed for laying 104 eggs. The incubator has a digital temperature controller with a psychrometer function, but it can also be produced without a humidity sensor. The incubator comes with a set of egg racks with different cell sizes. The power of the BI-2A is a maximum of 60 watts.
Among this modification, the BI-2A model is considered successful in combination of low cost with a digital temperature controller.
The video shows the assembly order of the incubator:
With any model of Laying there is an instruction from the manufacturer. It indicates how to prepare the device for operation, and also provides a table of temperatures for different types of eggs.