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My Theme Park Queue Board Project

I’ve always been fascinated by LED Matrix displays, when I owned my first home I [...]

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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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👉Tap the link https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EHxXzxk or enter the search code [AY0T4N] 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! Discount Codes: $3 off on orders over $18 / $6 off on orders over $18 for new customer: 【IFPVIRFP】 $8 off on orders over $45: 【IFP0FBGQ】 $13 off on orders over $79: 【IFP8KDPI】 $24 off on orders over $139: 【IFP4J2MR】 $40 off on orders over $229: 【IFPXHB1K】 $60 off on orders over $349: 【IFPFVQU9】 $80 off on orders over $469: 【IFPNTPCI】 Codes Expire - Nov 18, 07:59 GMT Can a Famicom clone REALLY be worth £300?! And what if a cheaper £150 console can actually OVERCLOCK your NES games? In this video, sponsored by AliExpress, I'm taking a look at two rather unusual Famicom clone consoles – the Qingliu 2 and the Lava FC Pro. These aren't your typical cheap and cheerful NES clones. Both feature genuine Nintendo hardware, HDMI output and a surprising number of features designed to make your retro games look and play their best. The Qingliu 2 has some particularly interesting tricks up its sleeve, including CPU overclocking and the ability to reduce that annoying sprite flickering you get in certain NES games. But does it actually work? And why does the Lava FC Pro cost almost twice as much? I'll be unboxing both consoles, testing games, comparing HDMI, RGB SCART, S-Video and Composite outputs, examining the hardware inside and seeing whether either is worth spending your hard-earned cash on. There's some impressive technology here, a few unexpected problems and one or two things that genuinely surprised me! PRODUCT LINKS Qingliu 2 on AliExpress: https://kiphak.es/Qingliu2 Lava FC Pro on AliExpress: https://kiphak.es/LavaFCPro LTT Precision Pro Screwdriver: https://kiphak.es/PrecisionScrewdriverSet BONUS FOOTAGE - Watch the original 60fps gameplay comparisons: https://youtu.be/bNLJMcaqQm0 This video is sponsored by AliExpress. Some links in the description may be affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. #Famicom #NES #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/support Join the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannel VPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Fixing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Fixing-Desk Editing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Editing-Setup Filming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Face Camera - Sony ZV-E10 Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZVE10-M2-Camera Overhead Camera - Canon EOS M6 - Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Canon-M6-Mk2 Microphones - Rode Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/Rode-Wireless-Pro Side Camera - DJI Osmo Pocket 4 - https://kiphak.es/DJI-Pocket-4-Camera Our channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tv If you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakes Peruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tv Or follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes 00:00 – Can You Overclock a Famicom Clone? 00:11 – Two Expensive NES Clones from AliExpress 00:32 – Qingliu 2 Unboxing 01:38 – Price and Features of the Qingliu 2 03:15 – Genuine Nintendo CPU and FPGA Explained 04:15 – Qingliu 2 Gameplay and Display Settings 07:10 – Testing the Overclocking Feature 09:35 – Can We Fix NES Sprite Flickering? 10:35 – HDMI, RGB, S-Video and Composite Comparison 12:48 – Lava FC Pro Unboxing – Up to £300! 14:00 – Lava FC Pro Hardware and Connections 15:25 – Exploring the Lava FC Pro Settings 17:20 – Testing the Lava FC Pro 18:45 – Side-by-Side Gameplay Comparison 21:20 – Opening Up Both Consoles 23:00 – What's Inside? Genuine Nintendo Hardware 24:35 – Qingliu 2 – Final Thoughts 26:10 – Lava FC Pro – Is It Worth £300? 27:15 – Which Famicom Clone Should You Buy? 28:50 – Final Thoughts
I Bought the MOST EXPENSIVE Famicom Clone from AliExpress!
This Japanese PlayStation from my RetroQuest console bundle has already behaved strangely — and the mystery wires poking out of the back suggest someone has been inside before me… In this Fix It Friday, I open it up to investigate, tackle an unexpected discovery and fit a PicoStation to replace the CD drive with microSD storage. I’m also swapping the original Japanese power supply for USB-C power, so I can finally lose the step-down transformer. There’s some delicate soldering, a few mistakes along the way, and a selection of games ready to put the finished console to the test. How will it all turn out? AD | This video is made in partnership with HOLY. Check out HOLY here : https://kiphak.es/holy Use KIP5 for £5 off your first order, or KIP for 10% off any order. Products and tools featured: PicoStation kit: https://kiphak.es/PicoStation PlayStation USB-C power supply: https://kiphak.es/PlaystationPSU LTT Precision Pro screwdriver: https://kiphak.es/PrecisionScrewdriverSet microSD cards (Kexin) : https://link.amazon/B0hL5jgqD RGB SCART cable: https://amzlink.to/az0E1N6Z5aAiX Check out RetroQuest here - https://retroquest.co RetroQuest discount code: kip-hakes Watch the Game Boy Pocket repair from the same bundle: https://youtu.be/clXYbFQlH5Q Watch the original console bundle video: https://youtu.be/n69A8XyN2nk Support the channel and become a member: 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/support Join the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannel VPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Fixing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Fixing-Desk Editing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Editing-Setup Filming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Face Camera - Sony ZV-E10 Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZVE10-M2-Camera Overhead Camera - Canon EOS M6 - Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Canon-M6-Mk2 Microphones - Rode Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/Rode-Wireless-Pro Side Camera - DJI Osmo Pocket 4 - https://kiphak.es/DJI-Pocket-4-Camera Our channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tv If you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakes Peruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tv Or follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes 00:00 An unexpected discovery… 00:09 The Japanese PlayStation from RetroQuest 01:22 Testing the console with Ridge Racer 02:09 Planning the repairs and upgrades 03:08 Opening the PlayStation 04:27 What’s hiding under the shielding? 05:33 Removing the old modchip 06:00 Retesting the original disc drive 06:39 HOLY – video partner 08:53 A closer look at the PicoStation kit 09:21 Lifting the motherboard chip pins 11:16 Preparing and soldering the quick solder board 14:23 Resistor removal and APLL wiring 15:45 Upgrading to USB-C power 17:58 Reassembly and fitting the PicoStation 19:38 Thank you to the channel members 20:39 Cleaning the case and checking the upgrades 21:42 Preparing the microSD card 22:26 First boot and Crash Bandicoot 23:51 Testing PAL Tekken 3 and the RGB cable fix 24:27 Ridge Racer Revolution and boot options 25:01 Final thoughts and what’s next
This Tatty Playstation needs some love NOW! Can I make it better with a Pico Station?!
I’ve gone a bit extra this Halloween! #halloween
Live theme park queue times, right on my desk! I've created Pixel Queue Board, a Raspberry Pi project that brings ride waiting times from theme parks around the world to a colourful LED display. In this video, I assemble a new 3D printed case, wire up four LED matrix panels and show you how to install and configure the software. There are a few prototype problems to work through along the way, plus a look at the different layouts, park weather, custom logos and display options. You don't necessarily need an LED matrix to enjoy it either. The software supports HDMI and browser displays, and there's a browser version on my website that you can try on your phone, tablet or computer. This video is sponsored by PCBWay. From custom PCBs to 3D printing, check out their services here : https://kiphak.es/pcbway Try the browser version here : https://kiphakes.com/queue-board/ At the time of filming, the software is available as a beta for channel members who contact me to request access. Please watch the installation section before joining specifically for the software, so you know what's involved. Become a channel member : https://kiphak.es/support Parts used in this build : https://amzn.to/4yBdmpG 3D printed case files : TBA Watch my Raspberry Pi flight tracker video : https://youtu.be/dIId9W57Vu8 Theme park queue data is provided by Queue-Times: https://queue-times.com/ Which theme park would you put on your board, and what features would you like me to add? Let me know in the comments, give the video a like and subscribe for more projects, repairs and tech. As an Amazon Associate and AliExpress Affliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Drop a comment below! Join the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannel VPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Fixing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Fixing-Desk Editing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Editing-Setup Filming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Face Camera - Sony ZV-E10 Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZVE10-M2-Camera Overhead Camera - Canon EOS M6 - Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Canon-M6-Mk2 Microphones - Rode Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/Rode-Wireless-Pro Side Camera - DJI Osmo Pocket 4 - https://kiphak.es/DJI-Pocket-4-Camera Our channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tv If you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakes Peruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tv Or follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes 00:00 Introducing Pixel Queue Board 01:12 LED panels and the original case 01:58 How the hardware fits together 03:22 HDMI and browser display options 04:28 Channel members and beta access 05:34 The new 3D printed case 07:12 Modifying the matrix HAT and planning power 08:56 Soldering and the display interference fix 09:52 Wiring the power socket and switch 11:00 Mounting the Raspberry Pi 13:46 Adding USB C power and assembling the case 15:33 Adding a speaker for future projects 17:20 Wiring and mounting the LED panels 20:02 PCBWay and future build ideas 21:31 Fitting the final panel and powering up 23:02 How to get the beta software 24:15 Preparing the Raspberry Pi microSD card 26:35 Transferring and installing the software 30:15 First login and display configuration 32:10 Choosing parks and customising the layout 34:25 Transitions, Pixel Kip and clock settings 35:00 Brightness schedules and night mode 36:48 Customising park logos 37:45 Filtering rides and areas 38:49 Trying the browser display 39:07 Future plans and your suggestions
I Built a LIVE Theme Park Queue Board for My Desk!
Laughing Gas - Toxic Circus at Clacton Fear on Clacton Pier - Scary Maze Walkthrough
Clacton Pier has had a Halloween makeover, and I’m heading inside both scare mazes at Clacton Fear with a mate of mine, @Mymatevince ! Expect nervous laughter, plenty of jump scares and some increasingly questionable decisions about going first… First up is Laughing Gas – Toxic Circus, where a boiler room explosion has turned a travelling circus into something rather sinister. Then it’s time to check into Mourning Manor, a seaside guesthouse where Mrs. Grady seems very reluctant to let anyone leave. Between the mazes, there’s time for some rides and a few encounters with the locals roaming the pier. Come along for the scares, my reactions and my thoughts on Clacton Fear’s first event! Find out more about Clacton Fear and book tickets: https://www.clactonfear.co.uk/ Filmed at the Clacton Fear press event. Please note: this video contains footage from inside both scare mazes, horror imagery, gore, jump scares, flashing lights and strong language. 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/support Join the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannel VPN powered by NordVPN - https://kiphak.es/NordVPN Fixing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Fixing-Desk Editing Desk Setup - https://kiphak.es/Editing-Setup Filming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Face Camera - Sony ZV-E10 Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZVE10-M2-Camera Overhead Camera - Canon EOS M6 - Mk 2 - https://kiphak.es/Canon-M6-Mk2 Microphones - Rode Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/Rode-Wireless-Pro Side Camera - DJI Osmo Pocket 4 - https://kiphak.es/DJI-Pocket-4-Camera Our channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tv If you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakes Peruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tv Or follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes 00:00 A spooky warning 00:26 A night at Clacton Fear 00:45 Meeting the locals 01:27 Laughing Gas Toxic Circus 06:20 Catching my breath after Laughing Gas 06:51 Time for some rides 08:02 More encounters on the pier 08:51 Checking into Mourning Manor 12:43 My thoughts on Clacton Fear
Clacton Fear - I Checked Into Clacton's Creepiest Hotel!
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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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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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Hi! I’m Kip Hakes, I’m a 45-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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