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/_EJc4mD2 or enter the search code [AYFGE5] 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! 😍 The codes apply to affiliate products, including mobile phones.Discount Codes: $3 off on orders over $29:【IFPYG0EB】 $6 off on orders over $59:【IFPMMAYU】 $9 off on orders over $89:【IFPEBLT2】 $16 off on orders over $149:【IFPSG2SM】 $23 off on orders over $199:【IFPV9CK1】 $30 off on orders over $269:【IFPZZFVP】 $40 off on orders over $369:【IFP3XU3J】 $50 off on orders over $469:【IFPANJ0C】 $60 off on orders over $599:【IFPRYW22】 $70 off on orders over $699:【IFPM9SMY】Codes Expire 1st May 2026 - 7.59am#aliexpresshaulIn this Fix It Friday, I take a look at a Sega Mega Drive 2 sent in by a channel member that’s having trouble reading cartridges. The issue turns out to be an unreliable cartridge slot, so the first step is diagnosing and repairing that fault before moving on to something more interesting.Once the console is working again, I install a Highspeedido HDMI mod to bring this classic system up to modern standards. This involves opening the console, identifying the board revision, reworking solder joints, adjusting cartridge slot pins, and carefully wiring the mod board to multiple points across the PCB. There is also some case modification required to fit the HDMI port cleanly into the shell.The Highspeedido HDMI mod outputs a clean 1080p signal and includes an on screen menu that can be controlled using the original controller. After installation, I test the system and compare the HDMI output to the original RGB SCART to see how it performs in terms of both picture and sound quality. If you are into retro console repairs, hardware mods, or just want to see how older systems can be adapted for modern displays, this one covers the full process from fault finding to final result.Thanks to AliExpress for sponsoring this video and supplying the HDMI mod kit used in this build. If you enjoyed the video, consider subscribing for more retro console repairs and modifications.Tools used in this videoSoldering iron UK - https://kiphak.es/MySolderingIron - USA - https://kiphak.es/HakkoSolderingIronUSALTT Precision Screwdriver Set https://kiphak.es/PrecisionScrewdriverSetAliExpress parts featured in this videoHighspeedido HDMI mod kit for Mega Drive 2 https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3JO02XfEverGenesis Cartridge https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4lWVN3TReplacement Mega Drive 2 cartridge slot https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4KHP8KHAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Drop a comment below!Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/supportPeruse 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 Intro & Mega Drive 2 Overview 00:31 What's in the Box + Fault Description 01:01 Initial Test & Cartridge Slot Issue 01:52 Highspeedido HDMI Mod Kit Overview 02:21 Disassembly Begins (Opening the Console) 03:29 Removing Shielding & Board Inspection 04:50 Identifying Board Revision (VA1 PAL) 05:28 Cartridge Slot Inspection (Visual Check) 06:49 Reflowing Cartridge Slot Solder Joints 09:08 Pin Tension Adjustment & Cleaning 11:08 Retest – Cartridge Slot Fixed 11:58 Highspeedido HDMI Mod Components & Wiring Plan 12:55 Preparing the Case & Shielding Mod 14:05 Highspeedido HDMI Mod Installation Planning 15:09 Cutting HDMI Port Opening 15:49 Fixing Component Clearance Issue 16:24 Bridging PAL Jumper (Highspeedido Mod Setup) 18:36 Wiring RGB, Sync & Power Connections 21:37 Controller Input Wiring (Highspeedido Menu Controls) 23:04 Tidying Wiring & First Stage Complete 24:04 Final Prep & Mounting HDMI Board 25:28 Soldering All Connections to Highspeedido HDMI Mod 27:11 Completed Highspeedido HDMI Mod – Ready for Testing 27:41 Reassembly of Console 28:14 First HDMI Output Test (Success!) 29:50 Highspeedido HDMI Mod Menu & Settings 30:24 HDMI vs RGB SCART Comparison 31:57 Final Thoughts on Highspeedido HDMI Mod Performance 32:57 Outro & Thanks for Watching
Add HDMI to a Mega Drive 2 (and fixing faults too!) Hispeedido MD2 HDMI Mod - Fix it Friday
It’s my birthday, so instead of fixing something, I decided to take a day off and see what happens. That plan didn’t last long, because a surprise delivery turned up from @LinusTechTips and Linus Media Group via Creator Warehouse. Inside were some seriously impressive bits of kit, including a mystery screwdriver, full-size LTT Backpack, and Commuter Backpack.If you’re interested in checking out the products featured, you’ll find links below.Mystery Screwdriver - https://kiphak.es/MysteryScrewdriver Standard Screwdriver - https://kiphak.es/Screwdriver LTT Backpack - https://kiphak.es/Backpack Commuter Backpack - https://kiphak.es/CommuterBackpackIn this video I take a proper look at what arrived, starting with the mystery screwdriver and whether it’s actually worth the price, before moving on to the much larger LTT backpack and everything it offers in terms of storage, build quality and everyday usability. I also compare it to the commuter backpack that I’ve been using for a while and share some thoughts on whether these products justify their cost, especially when ordering from outside the United States.I also explain a workaround for international viewers using a forwarding service to access items from the US store, and what to consider when it comes to shipping costs, taxes and overall value. If you want to try Stackry click here - https://kiphak.es/StackryAs a bonus, I’m giving away a commuter backpack to one UK viewer. All the details on how to enter are explained in the video, so make sure you watch all the way through.If you enjoy the video, consider subscribing and following along as I get back to the usual fixes next week.As an Amazon Associate, 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://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=612&aff_id=137391&url_id=14830 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 Intro – Birthday & Taking a Day Off 00:24 Looking Through Old Family Photo Album 00:52 Surprise Delivery Arrives 01:30 Who is Linus & Why the Gift? 02:01 Mystery LTT Screwdriver Unboxing 03:06 First Impressions – Black Screwdriver 03:48 Features – Ratchet, Bit Storage & Build Quality 05:34 Working with Linus Media Group Explained 06:03 LTT Backpack Unboxing (Full Size) 06:49 First Look & Exterior Overview 07:17 Pocket Tour & Storage Features 08:59 Laptop Compartment & Interior Layout 10:03 Comfort, Straps & Hidden Security Features 11:12 Price, Quality & Value Discussion 11:49 Trying the Backpack On 12:25 Travel Use & Carry-On Thoughts 12:56 Shipping Costs & Taxes Explained 13:25 Stackry Forwarding Service Guide 14:53 Commuter Backpack Overview (Recap) 16:36 Giveaway Announcement (UK Only) 18:27 How to Enter the Competition 20:04 Outro – Birthday Wrap-Up & Thanks
Linus Tech Tips sent me BIRTHDAY PRESENTS?! Win an LTT Commuter Backpack too!
Watch the related video to see!
Birthday surprises at my door.. wonder what it could be? #linustechtips
In this video, I take a closer look at one of Nintendo’s most unusual and short-lived consoles: the Virtual Boy. Sent in by a viewer - @ScottishDadPlaysMinecraft this unit hasn’t powered on for years and was originally purchased as a display piece, so the goal here is to carefully investigate what’s going on and see how far it can be pushed.Starting with an initial inspection, I go through the hardware inside and out, checking the controller, power delivery, and the console itself before moving into a full teardown. Along the way, there’s a detailed look at how the Virtual Boy actually works, including its internal displays, optics, and adjustment mechanisms, as well as some of the common issues these systems are known for after nearly 30 years.Rather than jumping straight to conclusions, the process focuses on methodical fault-finding, testing each stage of the power path and narrowing things down step by step. There’s also some restoration work involved, including cleaning, minor repairs, and general maintenance to improve how the system feels and functions.This video is sponsored by @PCBWayCom who offer PCB manufacturing and assembly services. As part of the process, I take a look at a modern recreation of a key board used in the Virtual Boy, demonstrating how replacement parts like this can be produced today using their service. Check out PCBWay here: https://kiphak.es/pcbwayWhether you’re into retro hardware, console repair, or just curious about one of Nintendo’s more experimental ideas, this is a detailed look at the Virtual Boy and the process of figuring out what’s really going on inside.Here's the @LinusTechTips Precision Pro Screwdriver I use - https://kiphak.es/PrecisionScrewdriverSetAs an Amazon Associate, 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://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=612&aff_id=137391&url_id=14830 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 Virtual Boy unboxing 00:36 Fault history and expectations 01:32 Why the Virtual Boy is interesting 02:37 First look at console and controller 03:15 Virtual Boy history and hype 04:28 Checking focus and eye controls 05:07 Ports, cartridge and features 06:18 How the system is used 07:28 Controller and battery condition 08:39 Initial power testing begins 10:51 Battery pack issues uncovered 11:33 Cleaning and retesting power 12:18 Still no response from console 13:09 Opening the Virtual Boy 16:20 Exploring internal components 18:28 Investigating power regulation 20:37 Inconsistent behaviour appears 22:12 Narrowing down the fault 23:15 Controlled power testing setup 25:12 PCBWay sponsor segment 27:13 Further cleaning and prep work 28:14 Repairing the stand clip 30:32 Full teardown for maintenance 33:48 Accessing optics and internals 35:03 Servicing adjustment mechanisms 38:33 Reassembly process 40:48 Building alternative power solution 44:55 Final testing phase 46:26 Wrap-up and thoughts
DEAD Nintendo Virtual Boy - Can I Fix it ? - Virtual Boy Special! Fix it Friday
A Plea to Adult Content Creators: Let Families Enjoy New Attractions - I’m sharing a message to adult rollercoaster enthusiasts who create online content. I’m asking you to reconsider rushing to film the new Bluey Hear Your Granny’s Coming rollercoaster at Alton Towers on opening day. #RollercoasterCommunity #AltonTowers #BlueyRide #ContentCreator #ThemeParks
A Plea to Adult Content Creators: Let Families Enjoy New Attractions
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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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