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From Soldering to Selling: How I Made My DIY Hobby Profitable

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts and DIY buffs! It’s your go-to electronics YouTuber here, and today, I’m excited to pull back the curtain on how I’ve turned my love for soldering, wiring, and creating into more than just a hobby—it’s now a thriving side hustle that’s padding my wallet, too. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive into this electrifying journey together.

Starting off, my YouTube channel has always been my digital playground—a place where I can share my latest projects, geek out over new gadgets, and connect with like-minded folks. But let’s be real, while making videos is a blast, discovering ways to make some extra cash from it? Even better.

So, how did I kick things up a notch? Simple: I started crafting DIY project kits based on the very projects I showcased on my channel and began selling them on Etsy and WordPress. Yes, my friends, those same cool gadgets and gizmos that you’ve seen me put together can now land right on your workbench, ready for you to bring to life.

Here’s the scoop on how I made it happen: First, I got really cozy with what makes you all tick—what projects get you hyped, what tutorials you binge-watch, and what you’re itching to build. With that intel, I tailored my videos to hit that sweet spot, creating a solid base of supporters eager to bring a piece of our shared passion into their homes.

Choosing which projects to kit out was like picking my favorite friends (tough, I know). But, by focusing on the crowd-pleasers and adding my special touch, I’ve managed to create something truly unique for you guys. These kits aren’t just some random parts thrown together; they’re your next adventure in making, packaged up with all the love and care of someone who’s been right where you are.

WordPress have been game-changers for getting these kits out into the world. With a few clicks, I can share my creations far and wide, reaching DIYers across the globe. And it’s not just about listing a product; it’s about building a brand that stands for quality, creativity, and a bit of that DIY rebel spirit.

But wait, there’s more! Social media has been a powerhouse for getting the word out. By leveraging Instagram stories, Facebook posts, and even Pinterest boards, I’ve been able to create buzz around my kits and connect with even more of you awesome creators. And let’s not forget the power of a good collab—partnering up with other DIY influencers has introduced my kits to communities I never would’ve reached on my own.

Making the buying process smooth as butter and ensuring you’re thrilled with your purchase has been my top priority. After all, a happy maker is a repeat customer. And trust me, your feedback is gold—it’s what drives me to tweak, improve, and dream up the next big project.

So, there you have it—the insider’s guide to turning your YouTube channel from just a platform for sharing videos to a legit money-making venture. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your channel to the next level, remember: with passion, creativity, and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, the possibilities are endless. Let’s keep building, sharing, and inspiring each other. Catch you in the next video—until then, keep making and keep innovating!

Eric

PS Check out my Kits if you want one 🙂

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Namespro.ca Negligence

This is the last 24 hours of failure to provide the service paid for. Namespro has removed my site renewal and has repeatedly refused to fix their service problems instead telling me they are all fake and no one else has a problem.  So be it.

 

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Revolutionizing the Virtual Reality Experience: Introducing ScentVR

Virtual Reality (VR) has come a long way since its inception and has revolutionized the way we interact with digital environments. The experience of VR is immersive and engaging, but there’s always room for improvement. And that’s where ScentVR comes in.

ScentVR is a DIY kit that allows you to use any commercially available scents (or make your own) to enhance your VR experience. The kit includes a ScentVR device, power supply, and 6 scent reservoirs, as well as a starter pack of scents. ScentVR works with any game or simulation, and guides and suggested scents are available on the website and community forums.

With ScentVR, you can add an extra layer of realism to your VR experience. The device uses a proprietary algorithm to disperse scents at intervals and in combinations, varying the strength and overlap of the smells for maximum immersion. And the best part is, ScentVR does not require any connection to the VR system – it’s completely standalone and compatible with all VR games.

For added convenience, ScentVR can be configured and operated through a web interface, allowing you to control it from your headset, phone, PC, or tablet. The unit connects to your Wi-Fi network and receives firmware upgrades automatically, so you’ll always have access to the latest features and functionality.

ScentVR is the product of a thriving open-source electronics and 3D printing community, and is completely bootstrapped. The packaging is made from recycled materials, and the ink stamps are even 3D printed!

The launch of ScentVR marks a new era in VR technology and is set to change the way we experience virtual reality. So, get ready to take your VR experience to the next level and be sure to keep an eye out for the launch of ScentVR!

For more information, visit ScentVR.ca and join the community on our forum, GitHub repo, and Discord channel.”

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Engine Doctor Prototype Complete!

I finally finished the prototype for the engine Dr. printed circuit board from PCB way. I’m super happy with how the prototype came out it’s functional in all respects it did Spond a new set of code to use the BMP280 sensor

Im super happy with how this is finally coming along. It took 2 nights to get the sensor to work after a scammy AliExpress seller sent mw fake BME sensors. Much sad.

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New Custom Circuit Board Project- ProbeMaster is Born

Last week I finally started designing a project I’ve had in mind for several years. The concept is simple:

A basic breakout circuit board that I can connect to any device under test (DUT) and the result is many spare connections- some with on/off switches already in series and others unpopulated to add any components, connections and measuring equipment I desire.

ProbeMaster PCB mkme.org

The PCB design was done in KiCad which turned out pretty great I trhink:

ProbeMaster PCB mkme.org

ProbeMaster PCB mkme.org

Boards should be here by the end of the week and I will start on the video. As always- source files are in my GitHub repo so you can make your own too.

MKme/probemaster: Probing breakout for hardware hacking. Hook measurement equipment & components into DUT (github.com)

Eric

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“Prettiest Town in Canada” Has an UGLY Little Secret…

Goderich Encampments

Those of you who watch my videos know that most of my projects and initiatives center around making the world “better” in some way or another.  This is what mkme.org is centered around but the solution to this particular issue eludes me…

A quick google search finds this little nugget about our fine town:

Prettiest Town in Canada
Prettiest Town in Canada

Indeed I would agree that our town is pretty amazing:

Goderich Salt Mine At Night by Eric
Goderich Salt Mine At Night

And our sunsets are pretty great…

Goderich Sunset by Eric
Goderich Sunset

It is no secret that there are issues with homelessness across Canada.  Goderich suffers from this as well.  It has seemingly become steadily worse in recent years to the point we now have homeless encampments within town limits.

Yes, the “Prettiest Town in Canada” has this beauty within 200 meters of our  hospital doors…

Goderich Encampments
One of several trash heaps

Yesterday I went out to do some video footage not far from my home in Goderich- what I stumbled across would leave me with a significantly darker view of our little town.

Location

The following are pictures of the multiple encampments and piles of waste littered around them. The areas are completely covered in broken glass and other hazardous materials.

Not something you want your kids playing in…

Goderich Encampments
Encampments

Goderich Encampments
Makeshift stove

Goderich Encampments
Trash

Goderich Encampments
Some of the overhead structures

Goderich Encampments
Broken glass can be found everywhere

Goderich Encampments
More structures

Goderich Encampments
Goderich Encampments

 

Goderich Encampments
Trees damaged & removed all around these sites

The trees in these areas have been cut down and many are heavily damaged. Many will no survive as a result.

Goderich Encampments
More trash heaps

Goderich Encampments
Another heap

The household waste is also accompanied (unsurprisingly) by human excrement/waste around the area. The biohazards here are significant and the smell is unpleasant to say the least.

Goderich Encampments
Another camp

Goderich Encampments
Sleeping areas?

Goderich Encampments
More trash and waste

This is just one area of 3 separate encampments. There are indeed more.

I have no idea what the solution to this issue is. What I can say is that what we are doing- is not sufficient.

Before you point out how terrible I am for posting these images and how I could do X to get involved and solve the problem- I have indeed tried to get involved already with our elected council.

Jan  2021 I reached out via social media to one of the Goderich councilors who was actually one of my  teachers in High School. In recent years he also involved me as an (unpaid) consultant in a town initiative for small businesses. One of the perks of our small town is that generally- we all have many years of living working and playing together.

My message was simple:

Hey Sir. How are things with you? Hope you are doing well and enjoyed the holidays! I have an odd question and wondered if you can point me in a direction. It seems pretty clear that our homeless problem in Goderich is not improving and may be even worsening. Is this on councils radar? Any thoughts on what the community could do to help? I have considered taking a chat with individuals just to understand the problem better. I dont have a lot of means to help but I would like to do what I can. Surely this is something we could solve as a community. Pretty embarrassing touting ourselves as the Prettiest town while having people living on the street. Anyhow I figured you probably have the best optics on this from town, to business to the human side of things. Any thoughts appreciated. Stay safe

As always, I received a prompt response which transitioned in to a lengthy phone conversation on the topic of homelessness in our fine town.  He gave me a detailed update on the various initiatives in the county & town as well as committed to letting me know when I could be of help in any way.

While I applaud the efforts of all involved we clearly still have a major problem not going away and one could argue is worsening.

Last August I took photos like this at the end of Anglesea street  (a short distance from the encampment above)and reported it to the town bylaw enforcement.

Garbage

This was cleaned up and remedied due to the likelihood that the scat beside the pile belonged to a small bear- Not ideal inside town limits…
Scat

Just a month before that I took these photos of the pristine Maitland Woods trail area ravaged by fire due to a repeat homeless encampment….

Maitland Woods Burned
Maitland Woods Burned

You don’t have to look far to find the evidence of these issues in town- anyone living here knows the familiar faces living on the street. What may not be so obvious are the ones living just out of sight in encampments like these in the wooded areas within and around our town.

I still have no idea what to do beyond the typical cleanups and handouts but I think step one would be to make this post. People should see this.  People should get upset. We all should be upset that in a world of such plenty- we allow this to continue right in front of our faces.

I will try to help out where I can on this topic. Our little YouTube community has stepped up when asked in the past (funds for Covid face shield supplies, donations and more) but I’m at a loss on this one.  For now I will make this post in hopes it may inspire some interest and hopefully urge people to reach out to their elected officials.

Anyone touting this as the “Prettiest Town in Canada” should probably take a walk in the woods just once and see what is happening “behind the curtain” and decide just how “pretty” these scenes are.

Out of sight should not be out of mind…