Hi! I’m Kip Hakes, I’m a 44-year-old Blogger, Vlogger and Designer. I’m married to Vicki and I’ve got two children, and a Cavachon called Duggee. We live in the Essex countryside just outside of Colchester.

I’ve blogged since 2008, and my blogging subjects include – Parenting, Technology, Reviews, Photography, Rants and Raves and more. I’m Designer of stuff by day, and a total nerd at night.

Kip Hakes wearing the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses!

Kip Hakes

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Blog

What will Alton Towers do with the World of David Walliams? Project Horizon might help

Alton Towers finds itself facing a complicated problem — and it’s not just about rides [...]

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Why the Alton Towers Content Creator Programme Failed

This episode marks the launch of a brand-new podcast — one that won’t be tied [...]

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I need your help..

So a few people have suggested I try and make a podcast. Which to be [...]

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I’m not okay.. but now I know why!

So many of you read this post the other month – if you haven’t read [...]

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I’m not okay…

I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and I been putting [...]

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Behind The Scenes Tour of Top Blaster at Chessington
Behind The Scenes Tour of Tomb Blaster at Chessington

I’ll be completely honest with you, I wasn’t planning on visiting any Merlin-owned theme parks [...]

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Paultons Park – The UK’s BEST Theme Park

I suppose I have to start this post off by calling it an advert, because [...]

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Alton Towers CBeebies Land Rollercoaster to open in 2026 – Project Sunshine is GO!

Alton Towers Resort have JUST announced that the have submitted a planning application for a [...]

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Why was Hex at Alton Towers closed for 19 months? There’s a dramatic twist in this tale..

On the 30th of March 2023, I went to Alton Towers Resort for the first [...]

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Thorpe Park Fright Nights 2024 – Everything you need to know!

In just a few days, Thorpe Park Resort will be welcoming guests for Thorpe Park [...]

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This is BIG news!

You might have seen, if you’re subscribed to my YouTube Channel, or follow me on [...]

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Do I STILL need surgery on my back? How the NHS has failed me

Something very interesting happened before Christmas.. I got a text from the NHS telling me [...]

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YouTubeVisit my Channel

👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EHxFvYi or enter the search code [AYVKQ5] on the AliExpress homepage to see all the amazing items I've handpicked for you. And don't forget to enjoy extra savings with the exclusive discount codes below, just for fans like you!🌟 Remember, these codes can be used on almost all items in selected countries on AliExpress, except for mobile phones.Click my link to explore amazing products on AliExpress and use my codes for additional discounts!Discount Codes: $3 off on orders over $29:【IFPUPYH3】 $6 off on orders over $59:【IFPUBRBM】 $9 off on orders over $89:【IFPIKVOF】 $16 off on orders over $149:【IFPEKUB8】 $23 off on orders over $199:【IFPSGCDF】 $30 off on orders over $269:【IFPHK4LU】 $40 off on orders over $369:【IFPSZUAT】 $50 off on orders over $469:【IFPAWNGA】 $60 off on orders over $599:【IFPDKC0B】 $70 off on orders over $699:【IFPKI3CT】#aliexpresshaulCodes expire 1st June 2026In this part of the Opentendo build, I finally attempt the PAL to NTSC conversion and install the Lava RGB Mod 2 to bring proper RGB video output to the system. What should have been a straightforward upgrade quickly turned into one of the most frustrating console projects I’ve worked on, with broken PPU legs, troubleshooting headaches, firmware updates, endless soldering and more than one moment where I thought the entire build was dead.Part 1 is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckIDaHgvKbU Part 2 is here - https://youtu.be/LbDAwxK17VcThe Lava RGB Mod 2 completely transforms the video output of the NES and also replaces the original RF and power board with a modern alternative, but getting everything installed and working on the Opentendo proved far more difficult than expected. Along the way I also cover the PAL vs NTSC differences, swapping the CPU, PPU and crystal, updating the Lava RGB firmware and repairing some very delicate chips under the microscope.This video is sponsored by AliExpress.As an Amazon Associate and AliExpress Affliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelVPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Cameras from Wex - https://wex.pxf.io/kO5R7NFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes00:00 Opentendo build returns 00:29 The plan for part three 01:00 Lava RGB Mod 2 overview 02:04 AliExpress sponsor and coupon codes 02:30 Lava RGB Mod 2 power and video board 03:07 What this upgrade should do 04:05 Testing the PAL NES output 04:39 Why convert PAL to NTSC 05:10 Opening up the Opentendo 06:22 PAL to NTSC parts needed 07:22 Swapping the NTSC crystal 09:11 Removing the CPU and PPU 10:38 A very fragile PPU problem 11:54 Lava RGB Mod 2 fitment issue 12:36 Lava RGB Mod 2 kit contents 13:41 Socketing advice for the PPU 14:41 Preparing the Lava RGB Mod 2 board 15:15 Removing the RF modulator 17:54 Fitting the replacement video board 18:40 Installing the header pins 19:52 Channel member shout outs 21:09 Soldering the PPU socket 22:16 Adding the Lava RGB Mod 2 connector 23:35 Updating the Lava RGB Mod 2 firmware 26:55 Day two begins 27:22 Repairing broken PPU legs 31:27 Wiring the Lava RGB Mod 2 connections 34:14 Controller wiring for settings 35:12 Supporting the new video board 37:14 First test after the install 38:33 Troubleshooting the black screen 39:22 Returning to the project later 40:38 One more attempt 41:44 Testing the Lava RGB Mod 2 again 42:31 Signs of life 43:43 Where the Opentendo build goes next
I KILLED the NES I JUST finished making. Lava RGB Mod 2 Install goes VERY wrong - Opentendo Pt 3
AnyCubic Kobra X: The Ultimate Multicolor 3D Printer is now on Amazon - We explore the AnyCubic Kobra X, an amazing multicolor 3D printer that prints four colors out of the box and can be expanded to 18 colors. We discuss how this printer has made 3D printing incredibly simple and accessible, minimal waste design, and easy-to-use phone app integration with thousands of available 3D models. We highlight its versatility for both beginners and advanced users, and showcase some impressive creations made with this printer.You can get the printer here - UK - https://kiphak.es/KobraX-AmazonUK USA - https://kiphak.es/KobraX-AmazonUSA#AnyCubicKobraX #3DPrinting #MulticolorPrinting #3DPrinter
AnyCubic Kobra X: The Ultimate Multicolor 3D Printer is now on Amazon
Adobe’s AI Video Generator Creates Cursed Results! I test Adobe’s new AI video generation tool by uploading a thumbnail photo and asking it to create a video of me shrugging my shoulders and sticking my tongue out. The results are absolutely cursed and disturbing, showing that AI video technology still has a way to go 😂😂😂😛 #AIVideo #AdobeFirefly #AIFail #CursedAI #VideoGeneration
Adobe’s AI Video Generator Creates Cursed Results!#AIVideo #AdobeFirefly #AIFail
👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EyAEZOA or enter the search code [AY2442] on the AliExpress homepage to see all the amazing items I've handpicked for you. And don't forget to enjoy extra savings with the exclusive discount codes below, just for fans like you! 🌟 Click my link to explore amazing products on AliExpress and use my codes for additional discounts! 😍 The codes apply to affiliate products, including mobile phones.Discount Codes: $3 off on orders over $29:【IFPAJPE0】 $6 off on orders over $59:【IFPXOCCL】 $9 off on orders over $89:【IFPMC3W8】 $16 off on orders over $149:【IFP6P64O】 $23 off on orders over $199:【IFPOTRXB】 $30 off on orders over $269:【IFPAHEUT】 $40 off on orders over $369:【IFPKBW1X】 $50 off on orders over $469:【IFPBUXJ2】 $60 off on orders over $599:【IFPWPJB6】 $70 off on orders over $699:【IFP98G8A】Ends 11 May 2026#aliexpresshaulI found this bizarre little 'protable multifunctioner recorder' on AliExpress for less than £20 and had to see if it was actually any good. It looks suspiciously like a DJI Osmo Pocket.. but is it just a wannabe? It comes complete with a rotating camera head, built in screen and even supposed infrared lighting.In this video I unbox it, test the video and audio quality, try out the strange menu system and take it outside for some real world vlogging footage. Is it an incredible budget camera bargain or just another piece of cheap tech nonsense from AliExpress?Surprisingly, it is not completely useless.If you enjoy weird gadgets, budget tech, questionable camera gear and honest reviews then you are definitely in the right place.As an Amazon Associate and AliExpress Affliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelVPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Cameras from Wex - https://wex.pxf.io/kO5R7NFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes00:00 Cheap DJI Osmo Pocket Wannabe? 00:34 “Protable Multifunctioner Recorder” Explained 01:07 Can a £20 AliExpress Camera Be Any Good? 01:36 AliExpress Coupon Codes & Unboxing 02:01 What’s in the Box? 02:35 First Look at the DJI Osmo Pocket Wannabe 03:05 Powering It On for the First Time 03:44 Exploring the Strange Menu System 04:16 Turning Off the Annoying Beeps 04:47 Test Footage & Audio Quality 05:25 Low Light Test in the Studio 06:00 Do the Infrared Lights Actually Work? 06:28 Photo Mode & Voice Recorder Test 07:05 Reviewing the Footage on PC 07:45 Surprisingly Decent Audio? 08:25 Outdoor Vlogging Test 09:04 Full Screen Video Quality Test 09:50 Final Verdict on This DJI Osmo Pocket Clone 10:25 Is It Actually Good for Kids? 10:56 The “Night Vision” Lights Explained 11:31 Not a Real DJI Osmo Pocket… But Not Totally Useless 12:01 Final Thoughts & Outro
I got a £20 "DJI Osmo Pocket" from AliExpress and.. well....
Here’s the letter - https://kiphak.es/ADHDLetterI talk about my frustrating experience trying to move my ADHD medication to shared care with my NHS GP. After being diagnosed and trying different medications through a private company, I wanted my GP to take over prescriptions to reduce costs. Instead, they refused with a vague not a contract requirement response. I discuss the irony of how readily they prescribed painkillers and antidepressants for years, and why this is a widespread issue affecting many ADHD patients. I'm sharing a template letter that others in the same situation can use to challenge their GPs.#ADHD #ADHDMedication #SharedCare #NHS #MentalHealth #ADHDAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #PatientRights #ADHDCommunity #TaskParalysis
Fighting for ADHD Medication: My GP Won't Help #adhd #nhs #adhdawareness #nhscomplaints
In this Fix It Friday, I take a look at a faulty Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, model HD01, picked up from eBay for £40. It was sold with a couple of known issues, including a broken power button and an overheating problem that causes it to cut out.After a quick test, it becomes clear something isn’t right, so the only option is a full teardown. What starts as a routine repair quickly turns into something much more involved, with unexpected findings inside that raise questions about how these are designed and why so many end up failing in a similar way.The video follows the complete strip-down, inspection, and clean-up process, including getting into areas that are definitely not intended for regular maintenance. Along the way there are a few surprises, some signs of previous work, and a fair amount of trial and error during reassembly. Once everything is back together, it’s time to see whether the issue has actually been resolved and if this Supersonic can be brought back to life.Thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video. If you’re into electronics projects, repairs, or custom builds, they offer an easy way to get PCBs manufactured or parts 3D printed to your specifications.Go check out PCBWay here - https://kiphak.es/pcbwayThis is the screwdriver I use to dismantle it - https://kiphak.es/PrecisionScrewdriverSetIf you’ve had similar issues with one of these, or you’re thinking about attempting a repair yourself, feel free to share your experience.As an Amazon Associate and AliExpress Affliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportJoin the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannelVPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Cameras from Wex - https://wex.pxf.io/kO5R7NFilming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USAOur channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tvIf you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakesPeruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tvOr follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes0:00 Intro – Faulty Dyson Supersonic HD01 eBay Find 0:33 Known Issues – Broken Power Button and Overheating 1:06 First Test – Burning Smell 2:34 Safety First and Tear Down Plan 3:12 Filter Removal and Dust Build-Up 4:23 Opening the Handle 5:11 Button Removal and Previous Repair Clues 6:37 Internal Access and Missing Screws 7:26 Motor Exposed and Clogged with Hair 8:20 Microscope Inspection 9:31 Deep Cleaning the Motor 11:01 Extreme Build-Up Removed 11:29 Day 2 – Going Deeper 12:32 Signs of a Previous Repair Attempt 13:39 Stripping Down the Head Unit 16:21 Disconnecting Wiring and Removing the Mechanism 18:28 Heating Element Access 19:02 Possible Design Flaw 20:11 Sponsor Segment – PCBWay 21:12 Opening the Heating Assembly 23:14 Burnt Hair Found Inside the Heating Element 25:12 Cleaning the Heater 25:48 Reassembly Begins 27:43 Reassembly Problems and Mistakes 30:19 Rewiring and Soldering the Power Switch 32:12 Cable Routing and Mains Reconnection 34:42 Final Assembly 37:25 Power Test 38:02 Full Heat Test 39:22 Performance Check 40:27 Final Verdict – Design Flaw or Maintenance Issue? 41:25 Outro
Dyson Supersonic HD01 Overheating Fix – Is It Designed to Fail? Fix It Friday - Dyson Hairdryer FAIL
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Recipes

Mushroom Pie

This Mushroom Pie is AMAZING! It’s fantastic for veggies and packed full of flavour, carnivores [...]

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Vegetarian Chicken Tikka Masala with Coriander and Lime Rice

This is a favourite of mine, it’s got a bit of a kick to it, [...]

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Super Simple Katsu Curry

This super simple Katsu Curry is a regular on the Hakes family meal roster. With [...]

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Paneer, Tomato and Spinach Curry

This is a great curry. I really do love Paneer, and I’ve tried a few [...]

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Alleppy Quorn Curry – Vegan Friendly

This started life as an Alleppy Prawn Curry, and it looked amazing. I pondered how [...]

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Creamy Cheese and Pea Pasta with Vivera Veggie Bacon Pieces

As a vegetarian, something I get asked a lot is.. “Do you miss bacon?”. The [...]

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Reviews

Duggee snuggled up on the Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress
Review – Simba Hybrid Ultra Mattress

You might remember, early last year I wrote this review of my Simba Hybrid Luxe [...]

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Review – Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

You might remember, we’ve been happy Simba Hybrid mattress customers for while now. However, when [...]

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Testing out SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk

Smartbuyglasses.co.uk Ease of Use Product Selection 5 Summary I got the sunglasses I wanted, at [...]

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Review – Glamp at The Priory

As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]

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Review – Tulleys Christmas Experience 2019

Tulleys Christmas Experience Overall 5 Summary I cannot recommend Tulleys Christmas Experience enough. We had [...]

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Review – Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019

Chessington Howl'o'ween 2019 Atmosphere Mazes 5 Summary I was utterly charmed by Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019. [...]

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Travel

8 Best New York Bars to Visit this Summer

No matter your reason for visiting New York City this summer, you are sure to [...]

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brown bridge on green grass field near mountain
The Best Family-Friendly Heritage Sites in York-shire

Planning a family staycation? Many families have discovered the many benefits of a staycation and [...]

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Top Unique Holiday Ideas Travelers Will Love

Everyone wants to go on holiday every once in a while. When they do, they [...]

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5 Beginners Tips For Adventure Travel

If you’re the type of person who gazes in awe and wonder at Instagram pictures [...]

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How to Run an Eco-friendly Caravan Park

From reducing carbon footprints to actively supporting local ecosystems, it’s fantastic that caravan park owners [...]

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Review – Glamp at The Priory

As an adult, I’ve never been a fan of camping – why stay in a [...]

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