Brinsea Mini EX User Manual

A017 GB Issue 04
1
Mini EX high performance egg incubator
User instructions
Contents
Section Subject Page
1 Introduction 2
2 QUICK REFERENCE 3
3 Unpacking 6
4 Location and Installation 6
5 Digital Control System 8
6 Storage of eggs 10
7 Temperature 10
8 Humidity and Ventilation 11
9 Egg setting 13
10 Egg turning 14
11 Hatching 15
12 Cleaning up 15
13 Servicing and Calibration 16
14 Troubleshooting 18
15 Specification 19

Brinsea Mini EX Specifications

Summary

1 Introduction to the Mini EX Incubator

2 Quick Reference and Setup

Essential Safety and Usage Precautions

Critical safety warnings and operational guidelines for using the incubator.

Incubator and Pump Initial Setup

Step-by-step guide for unpacking and connecting the incubator and humidity pump.

Humidity Pump Operation Logic

Explanation of how the humidity pump interacts with the incubator's temperature.

7 Recommended Incubation Parameters

Temperature and Incubation Period Chart

Guidance on optimal temperatures and expected hatching times for different poultry and exotic birds.

5 Digital Control System Menu

Temperature and Humidity Control

Adjusting incubator temperature (Celsius/Fahrenheit) and relative humidity levels.

Egg Turning Configuration

Setting the turning mode, interval, and angle for automated egg rotation.

Alarm and Display Settings

Configuring temperature alarms and switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit displays.

Saving and Cancelling Configuration Changes

Procedures for saving new settings or discarding modifications within the menu.

4 Location and Installation

Site Selection and Environmental Factors

Recommendations for placing the incubator in a suitable room with stable temperature and ventilation.

Power Supply and Component Connections

Instructions for connecting the power supply, humidity pump, and associated tubing.

Water System Setup for Humidity

Detailed steps for assembling the water tank, pump, and evaporating card for humidity control.

Final Assembly and Pre-Operation Checks

Completing the assembly, including fitting egg discs and guards, and initial run-in period.

5 Digital Control System Operation

Normal Operation Display Indicators

Interpreting the status indicators like asterisk for heating and symbols for turning.

Power Loss and Alarm Indicators

Recognizing and responding to power loss ('P') and temperature alarms ('H'/'L').

Changing Control System Settings

How to access and modify various incubator settings through the main menu.

6 Storage of Eggs

Optimal Egg Storage Conditions

Recommendations for storing eggs in cool, damp environments for up to 14 days.

Egg Selection and Preparation

Advice on discarding unsuitable eggs and washing soiled eggs safely.

7 Temperature Management

Initial Temperature Setup and Stabilization

Procedures for setting and allowing the incubator to stabilize its temperature.

Adjusting and Monitoring Temperature

Using the display to set and fine-tune temperature, with notes on accuracy.

Temperature Settings for Different Species

Recommended temperature ranges and incubation periods for various bird species.

Temperature Alarm Functionality

Understanding the built-in alarm for high or low temperature deviations.

8 Humidity and Ventilation Control

Factors Affecting Incubation Humidity

Understanding how water evaporation and ventilation impact humidity levels.

Achieving Correct Humidity Levels

Methods for monitoring and adjusting humidity, including species-specific RH guidelines.

Monitoring Egg Weight Loss for Humidity

Using egg weight loss as a primary indicator for humidity control and accuracy.

Humidity Adjustment and Pump Operation

Setting the relative humidity and understanding the automatic pump activation.

Humidity Considerations for Hatching

Maintaining high humidity levels during the critical hatching phase.

Troubleshooting Humidity Issues

Addressing problems with low or high humidity and pump tube maintenance.

9 Egg Setting Procedure

Incubator Capacity and Preparation

Understanding the incubator's egg capacity and preparing it before setting eggs.

Egg Placement and Orientation

Guidance on positioning eggs correctly in the egg disc for optimal turning.

Post-Setting Procedures and Monitoring

Actions after setting eggs, including initial warming, water checks, and candling.

10 Egg Turning System

Egg Turning Modes and Indicators

Understanding the ON/OFF turning modes and their display indicators.

Adjusting Turning Parameters

Customizing the turning interval and angle based on egg size and species.

Setting Turning Options via Menu

Step-by-step instructions for configuring turning settings using the main menu.

11 Hatching Process

Preparing for Hatching

Actions to take before eggs are due to hatch, such as removing the egg disc.

Hatching Humidity and Temperature

Maintaining high humidity and slight temperature adjustments during hatching.

Post-Hatch Management

Removing hatchlings and managing humidity after the hatching period.

12 Cleaning and Maintenance

Safety Precautions During Cleaning

Important warnings regarding electrical safety and avoiding immersion of parts.

Cleaning Incubator Components

Methods for cleaning the base, egg discs, lid, fan, and exterior surfaces.

Preparing for Storage Cleaning

Ensuring the incubator is thoroughly dry before storage to prevent damage.

13 Servicing and Calibration

Basic Troubleshooting and Resetting

Steps to take in case of failure, including checking connections and resetting defaults.

Modular Parts and Calibration Access

Information on replaceable parts and how to access the calibration menu.

Calibration Menu Options

Details on calibrating temperature, humidity, and other system parameters.

14 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Analyzing Poor Hatching Results

Gathering data and diagnosing causes for unsatisfactory hatching outcomes.

Common Hatching Problems and Solutions

Guides for addressing issues like no chicks hatching, deformities, or late hatching.

15 Technical Specifications

Incubator and Pump Capacities

Specifications for egg capacity, dimensions, weight, and power consumption.

Contact and Company Information

Brinsea Products Ltd contact details, website, and registration information.