Being unable to type this character leads to much frustration, as it reduces your ability to communicate online — you can’t send emails (since all email addresses contain the character “@”) or tag friends on social media without it.

When using a UK keyboard, typing the @ (at) symbol differs slightly from the way you type it on a US keyboard.

Here’s how to type the @ (at) symbol on a UK keyboard:

1. Hold SHIFT and press the apostrophe (‘) key.
2. Press Alt + 64 or OPTION + 0040.
3. Copy and paste the symbol.

Fortunately, there’s no need for advanced technical knowledge to type the @ (at) symbol on a UK keyboard, even if you’re unfamiliar with the current keyboard’s layout.

This article shows you the three ways to type the character on your keyboard — and if one way doesn’t work, just move on to the following method. Read on to learn more about typing the @ (at) symbol on a UK keyboard.

1. Hold SHIFT and Press the Apostrophe (‘) Key

On PCs in the United States, manufacturers position the @ (at) symbol on the number 2 key. To type the character on these keyboards, users simply press SHIFT + 2.

PC keyboard layouts in the United Kingdom slightly differ. That’s because keyboards in the United States follow the American Standard (ANSI) keyboard layout, while the ones in the UK follow the ISO layout. (source: Digital Trends)

To type the @ (at) symbol on a UK keyboard, hold SHIFT + the apostrophe (‘) key. The apostrophe is located just to the left of the “#” symbol and to the right of the letter L. Unshifted, this key produces only the apostrophe.

On standard UK keyboards, the image of the @ (at) symbol doesn’t appear on the keyboard, but you can still use it by typing SHIFT + apostrophe. Extended UK keyboards are the same, although they may show the symbol directly on the keyboard with the apostrophe.

(source: Microsoft)

Typing @ on Mac UK Keyboards

Mac keyboard layouts generally remain the same across the United States and the United Kingdom. The primary difference is that some Mac keyboards in the UK don’t always feature the SHIFT key. 

Instead, users must utilize the OPTION key for additional symbols. Type the @ (at) symbol on a UK Mac keyboard by pressing OPTION + 2.

(source: MacHow2)

American Keyboards With UK Formatting

Sometimes, you’ll come across an American keyboard set up with a UK keyboard input setting. If you attempt to type the @ (at) symbol using SHIFT + 2 on an American keyboard with the UK layout setting, you’d see double-quotation marks, not the @ (at) character.

To align with the layout on most UK keyboards, the UK keyboard input places the @ (at) symbol function in the apostrophe (‘) key. Therefore, when using UK keyboard inputs on an American keyboard, you’d have to type SHIFT + apostrophe/double-quotes to type the @ (at) symbol.

(source: Parsons Technology)

If these methods aren’t working, move on to method number two.

2. Press Alt + 64 or OPTION + 0040

Keyboards have limited space, so developers created Alt codes so users can type additional symbols without requiring a designated key. If you’re experiencing issues typing the @ (at) symbol using your standard keyboard keys, you can use an Alt code instead.

Press and hold Alt + 6 + 4 to render the @ (at) symbol. You don’t have to press 6 and 4 simultaneously. As long as you hold Alt while pressing the numbers in sequence, the symbol should appear on your screen. (source: Alt-Codes)

On Mac keyboards, you must use the OPTION key instead of Alt and a different number code. To type the @ (at) symbol on a Mac using Alt codes, press OPTION + 0 + 0 + 4 + 0.

3. Copy and Paste the Symbol

You can resort to using the copy-and-paste method until you’re able to figure out why you can’t type the @ (at) symbol using standard keyboard inputs. It’s not ideal, but it gets the job done in the meantime.

Here’s how:

1. Perform a web search for “at symbol keyboard.” or just use this article – it’s full of them!
   
2. Locate a website featuring the text of the @ (at) symbol.
   
3. Copy the symbol by highlighting it with your mouse cursor. 
   
4. Right-click and select “Copy,” or press CTRL+C (CMD+C on Mac).
   
5. Place the cursor where you want the symbol to appear and click until you see the insertion point (the blinking line you see when typing or preparing to type).
   
6. Right-click and select “Paste,” or press CTRL+V (CMD+V on Mac).

The symbol should appear on the screen.

Since the rise of the Internet, the @ (at) symbol has become an essential keyboard character. We use it primarily to communicate via social media and email, but some people also need it for accounting jobs (as an abbreviation for “at a rate of”). 

Whether you’re in the United States using a UK keyboard or using a UK keyboard input on an American keyboard, typing the @ (at) symbol is pretty straightforward. Hope this helps!

Choosing a monocular for bird watching can be difficult. With all the technical jargon that you may not understand unless you’re well versed in the world of telescopes, it can be hard to know what to look for. That’s why I’ve put together this guide detailing the 3 best monoculars for bird watching on the market. 

I’ve also answered some commonly asked questions about monoculars. To discover more, read on! 

Best Compact Option

Opticron 30440 BGA 8×42 Monocular

This monocular is the most compact, meaning that you can just pop it in your pocket or bag and take it wherever you need it. At just 9.9oz and measuring at 13.72 x 4.57 x 4.32 cm, you don’t have to worry about it taking up valuable space when heading out bird watching. 

It’s available in many lens diameters, so you can choose which magnification you prefer. It’s powered by 1 AA battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power as you can keep a spare on you without taking up space. 

This compact monocular for bird watching is waterproof up to 5m, meaning if you get caught in a typical UK rainstorm then you can still use it to see the wildlife. It also comes with a carry case and a lanyard, as well as caps for the main objective and an eyepiece to keep it safe whilst you’re out and about. 

One thing I love about this waterproof monocular for bird watching is that it’s built with glasses wearers in mind! A rare find, the eyepiece has 2 modes, one for glasses wearers and one for those who don’t wear them. 

Reviewers rave about the high-quality image and focus of this compact monocular, you can really get up close and personal with the wildlife, from a safe distance of course!

Pros:

• Compact and light
• 8 options to choose from
• Powered by 1 AA battery
• Waterproof
• Carry case and lanyard included
• Built with glasses wearers in mind! 

Cons:

• Some reviewers have commented that the focus ring is stiff initially, but this loosens with use

Best Budget Option

DFlamepower 10×42 HD Monocular

It can be hard to find a budget monocular without compromising on quality, but I think this monocular does an impressive job. This monocular for bird watching is made of rubber making it fairly durable, so you won’t have to worry about it getting broken by being loose in your bag on a hike. 

There’s an anti-drop hand strap to place around your wrist when holding the monocular, with rubber armour that makes it easier to hold within your hand.  It also comes with a microfibre cleaning cloth for the lens and a carrying bag. Waterproof enough to use in the rain, with dual focus capabilities suitable for glasses wearers too. 

The lens is coated with a green film and Bak-4 prisms, which makes your view brighter and clearer. It also has a focus wheel that you can easily turn with one hand, which allows you to see things up to 1000 yards away. 

Reviewers have commented on the excellent quality of this monocular, despite its affordable price point!

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Rubber armour
• Anti-drop hand strap
• Waterproof
• Dual focus for glasses wearers

Cons:

• Doesn’t quite compare to higher-end products

Best High-End Option

Bushnell 191142 Legend Ultra HD Monocular

The Bushnell 191143 Legend is the best high-end option on the market. It’s not the smallest or lightest option, but it’s still portable. However, with 10 x magnification power, it’s hard to complain. ED Prime glass, PC-3 Phase-Coated prisms and fully multi-coated optics ensure that you get bright and clear views that are of unrivalled quality.

Not only is this monocular waterproof, but it’s fog proof too meaning you can use it in any weather condition without your view being affected. It works well in lower light conditions, as it transmits plenty of light through the objective lens.

The eyecups are adjustable so that you can be comfortable when holding them against your eye for longer periods of time. The front lens cap is removable but is also on a hinge. This means that it can be used as a sunshield on those brighter days when the sun may affect your view. 

One of the things that I love about this monocular is that you can easily attach it to a tripod with its built-in picca rail. This gives you more stability to view the wildlife if you know that you’ll be staying in one place for a length of time. 

All reviewers have commented on the excellent clarity that’s even better than expected. 

Pros:

• Extremely impressive optics
• Waterproof and fog proof
• Adjustable eyecups
• Hinged front lens
• Easily attach to multiple accessories

Cons:

• Not the lightest or smallest of monoculars
• No batteries included

Monocular vs Binoculars: Which Should I Use?

Monoculars and binoculars are both powerful magnification tools that can help you spot wildlife and beautiful birds from a long distance away. 

Monoculars are much more lightweight and compact, making it easier to take them on outdoor trips with you. If you’re hiking to a sightseeing spot, you need to make sure that you save valuable backpack space for water, snacks and anything you may need in case of emergency.

This means that monoculars are much easier to take with you as they don’t take up much space and some are even small enough to keep in your pocket or attach to a belt loop! Despite their small size, monoculars can have up to a huge 10 x magnification, making them a powerful tool for bird watching. 

However, with a monocular instead of binoculars, you can only use one eye. Although this may not be a problem for many, some people may prefer to get the whole picture using both eyes for a more immersive experience.

Although, I’ve found that if you’re a glasses wearer like myself where each eye is at a different prescription, I actually prefer just using one eye. 

A monocular can also be more comfortable to hold than traditional binoculars, it also leaves one hand free to note down your sightings or take a sip of a hot beverage. 

When it comes to birdwatching, a monocular is a more popular choice with enthusiasts. However, if you’re looking at a general view and just taking in the scenery, binoculars will offer the wider picture. 

How Far Can A Monocular See?

Monoculars tend to have a magnification power between 6x and 10x,  higher optical magnification will allow you to see further into the distance. 

Monoculars will often have their magnification option listed within the product specification. When looking at this, you will see 2 numbers. The first number is the magnification and the second is the lens size. The bigger the lens size, the wider the view available.

For example, a specification of 8×25 will mean that the monocular has 8 x magnification with an eyepiece lens size of 25mm. This means that the object in view will appear 8 times larger than it would with your naked eye. 

The distance you can see will depend on the quality of the bird-watching monocular that you choose. On average, monoculars can see around 5 miles into the distance, but for specifics check the specification of the product. 

I hope that after reading this guide, you’ve found all the information you’re looking for and can begin your journey to spotting some fantastic birds! 

After watching American programmes like “Storage Wars” and “Storage Hunters” I wondered – are there storage auctions in the UK, too? 

Turns out that yes, there are storage auctions in the UK – you just have to know where to look! 

Some specialise in the entire contents of shipping containers, and others are just regular auctions that are abandoned self-storage that people have “done a runner” from and never paid for. Most sell for really small amounts, like £1. Others (especially if they’re full) go for hundreds. 

I’ve put together this list of all the British storage auction companies I’ve found, where their storage facilities are, and a link to where you can bid. But first, there’s some important info you need to know if you’re a wannabe storage hunter like me. 

What You Need to Know When Bidding with a UK Storage Auction House 

I’ve bid once or twice on these auctions and this is what I’ve learned: 

1. There Are Additional Fees

If you’ve never bid at auction before, bear in mind that all auctions usually have a buyer’s premium – it’s how the auction house makes their money. The premium is a percentage you pay on top of your bid amount. This can range from 10% to 25% and sometimes has VAT on top of that, so always read the auction terms and conditions carefully to add up how much your bid will really be.

Also, you need to know that storage companies often charge a “cleaning deposit”. From looking at existing auctions this seems to be around the £100 mark.

When you win the storage auction, this will be held on your card. You get it back when you FULLY empty the storage unit.

If you leave anything in the unit for the storage company to throw away, they might keep your cleaning deposit. This is to stop people “cherry-picking” the valuable items and leaving the junk behind! 

2. The Contents Usually Aren’t Valuable – But There Are Gems

My daughter (who also writes for this site) used to work in TV, and when she told me that the American TV shows like “Storage Hunters” were almost all faked (and ‘set dressed’ with nice things in the storage) it ruined it a bit for me! 

Don’t expect to find abandoned suitcases full of cash, pallets of Macbooks and all the rest of it. There’s a reason people have abandoned their storage – usually because whatever they left in there wasn’t worth paying the bill for. 

The other common items you see are things that are a pain to move, like exercise equipment, washing machines or large bits of furniture. You can get things like this cheap if that’s what you’re after. 

However, there have been gems. A friend of mine used to mock a young lad who always bid for what looked like rubbish – bin bags full of old clothes or jigsaws. One day the contents included what looked like old, out-of-date video games – but they turned out to be rare 1980s ones that collectors were paying hundreds for. They didn’t laugh any more! 

I’ve also seen storage units full of designer shoes, or signed sports memorabilia. I have no clue about either of these markets so I didn’t bid, but for someone, these were huge bargains. 

Basically what I’m saying is don’t get your hopes up, bid on what you know about, and don’t pay over the odds for something you can’t see!

3. Be Prepared if you Win

Some people bid online and then are surprised when they win… and they’re not ready to go to “their” unit, which might be across the country. Be serious if you’re bidding at storage auctions, and: 

– Look at the time you’re given to come and clear it out. It’s usually not that long, like 72 hours

– It becomes “your” unit when you win – so bring a padlock! You’d be amazed how many people forget this. The existing padlock will have been removed in order to auction it, of course. 

-Sort out transport and boxes. Some units are deceptively big and there are LOTS of things in them. You’ll need to move the whole lot to get your cleaning deposit back (mentioned above). 

4. Some Items Have to Be Returned to the Owner 

Some personal items have to be returned to their original owner, if you find them in your storage facility. These items include things like:

• Passports or ID
• Legal documents or certificates
• Tax or company paperwork
• Deeds, wills, etc.

This is pretty sensible and it’s just common sense to have these returned to their rightful owner. The auction house will probably tell you their rules, or it will be written in their terms and conditions.

Storage Unit Companies That Hold Online Auctions in the UK 

Proper storage auctions are few and far between, but there are some. Here are the ones I found:

IBidonStorage

Probably the site with the most active online storage auctions at any one time. Bidding starts at £1 and they have locations all around the UK including Bristol, Derby, Buckinghamshire, London, Devon, Sussex, Hampshire and Worcestershire. Click here to see their current auctions. 

eBay

It sounds obvious but lots of companies who used to run their own auctions now just do it on eBay because it’s easier for them to manage bidders and listings that way. Click here to see which companies are auctioning storage units on eBay.

Space Station

They have a private “mailing list” that you can ask to join. They say there are over 1000 people on that list, so it must be popular. Then you’ll get an actual email from them when they’re auctioning off a storage unit, and you can place a bid directly with them. Here’s their page where you can sign up. Their locations are mostly in and around London and Birmingham.

The UK Storage Company Ltd

They have written an interesting article about some of the background on storage auctions. They say they “very occasionally” have ones auctioned, usually because the person has stopped paying or has moved back abroad. Interestingly they reckon that they have never made enough money back to cover the cost of the owed rent!

They use Ebay to auction their abandoned units. Visit their site here.

Storage Giant

Storage Giant used to post about their auctions on Facebook but haven’t in a while, and I’m not sure they’re still doing them. Best to call them and ask. They operate mostly around the South West and Wales area.

Ask locally

this is probably one of the best ways to get “first dibs” on storage, and that’s to ask your nearest self-storage place. These days they’re in most towns and cities. This would be a good way to fend off the competition, because if it’s an online auction, everyone can bid – but if it’s just in your town, you’ll have a smaller pool of competing bidders!

In conclusion, do some research before you start looking, and don’t just assume that everything has value. Remember, if you end up winning anything, make sure you sort out getting it moved from wherever it was stored. But most of all – have fun! That’s what it’s really all about, for me anyway!

I’ve been interested in cryptocurrency for years, and I was excited when I learned about a US company called Helium and their proprietary crypto, also called Helium, or HNT for short.

Unlike bitcoin, mining Helium (HNT) doesn’t need an expensive, electricity-sucking rig or even coding knowledge. You just need a Helium Hotspot, a smartphone and ideally, a good location.

Does it make money? Yes, it does! Mine paid for itself in ten days, though this is less commonplace in 2022. Is getting a Helium hotspot worth it? At the moment, I think it definitely is – and I’ve bought three more miners since this article was first published.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a Helium Hotspot set up in the UK, what it costs, and what you can expect to earn. I try to update this article often with the latest information.

Obviously, this does not constitute financial advice (or advice of any kind). Crypto is still an immature and very volatile market, and you get involved at your own risk. This article is for information purposes only.

Helium Hotspots Explained

If you already know what Helium is and just want to know how to install a Hotspot and earn money (and I don’t blame you), then skip this bit and scroll down.

For everyone else new to Helium – they have a fun Youtube three minute video that explains it far better than I can:

Note that the hotspots featured in the video were originally Helium’s own devices and are no longer made. Helium now allows a small number of third-party companies to manufacture and sell hotspots. I’ll list these later.

Helium Hotspot Locations in the UK

If you’re interested in getting a hotspot, you ought to bear in mind that you’ll earn a lot more if other hotspots are nearby. By ‘nearby’ I mean within a mile or two, ideally in direct line of sight.

You’ll also earn more if you’re at a high elevation, overlooking other areas or hotspot locations. For example, a hotspot in the window of a top-floor flat with no obstructions around it has a better chance than a bungalow at the base of a valley.

Location and placing are important if you’re just going to use the antenna it comes with since it’s not very powerful. You can also upgrade the antenna (which I cover below) to try and reach hotspots further away.

You can check how many hotspots are ‘live’ near you in the UK on Helium’s Coverage Explorer. The green areas show where the greater numbers of miners are. Here’s what the UK looks like at the moment:

As you’d expect, the bigger cities and urban areas have quite a few. However, I don’t think it’s anywhere near saturation.

Helium says each city needs 50-100 hotspots in it for full coverage. Smaller towns and cities have even more opportunities.

So what do you do if there are no hotspots near you yet? You have a few options:

1 – Set it up anyway (it’ll still earn bits of HNT, probably enough to pay for itself in a few months) and you’ll be well-placed when it gets more popular and someone near you eventually has one up and running.

2 – Alternatively, you can install two hotspots in two different places where they can ‘witness’ each other, which I’ll explain shortly. You can’t put two in the same house (or rather, you can, but you won’t benefit much) because that’s too close together.

Helium has stipulated that hotspots work best when they are at least 330 metres apart. So the best solution is if you have family, friends, or access to another building nearby where another hotspot can be set up- ideally within a mile or two.

3 – The third option is to wait until there’s one or more near you – but there’s a big backlog of hotspot orders worldwide, and shipping can take 8-12 weeks, by which time there may have been some pop up near you anyway.

What if there are loads of hotspots in my area? Am I too late?

I’ve added this note for 2022 since the popularity of Helium has exploded. I live near Bristol – and for example, there were six miners when I started, now there are over 100! But my “reward scale” remains high (more on this later). Why? Because a couple of people nearest me gave up, and I installed a big antenna for some great reach. More on this later, too.

The most affected city, unsurprisingly, is London. If you’re thinking of starting there or in a similarly crowded area, check out the “hex” you plan to place your miner in, or look at the earnings map – covered below.

How Much Can I Earn Mining Helium?

Rather than one of those annoying “it depends” answers I’ll try to break this down depending on different scenarios.

A hotspot with none nearby (or no ‘witnesses’) may earn about 1-5 HNT per month
A hotspot that can witness 1-4 other hotspots around it – about 10-20 HNT a month or more. I’ve seen some far higher than this, too. Earnings, on average, have gone down per hotspot – but this has been mitigated by the price of HNT shooting up.

New: A UK map of average HNT earnings

Helium has added a handy “daily HNT earnings” overlay to their map, showing what hotspots in each area tend to earn.

You can now use this to see if you’re going to get a decent return. Here’s a screenshot, or you can view the live map here – then select “earnings” from the icon on the bottom right. Blue is a high-earning hotspot, and red is low.

What’s one HNT worth in UK Pounds?

The widget below displays the current price of one HNT in pounds (as of today) on Coingecko, which should give you an indication of what you can expect to earn. To give you an idea of how much this has increased, it was close to 40p when I started in mid 2021!

Note that earnings fluctuate a LOT, as does the price of HNT tokens.

You can also check how much any hotspot is earning on Helium’s Explorer (which also gives the current price of one HNT/Helium token). All you need is the three-word name of the hotspot, which you find on the map. Some of these are pretty amusing, and it’s a good way to identify each hotspot.

Note that Helium also have a ‘reward scale’ from 0 to 1, where zero is in a congested/crowded area with lots of hotspots, and 1 is where there are hardly any. I’m in a good, high location and was very early, so my ‘reward scale’ is 1, which is nice – as it rewards early adopters with more HNT.

Helium Hotspot Costs – and Antenna Info

At the time of writing, there are only a handful of companies selling legitimate Helium Hotspots, and all for a similar price of around £350-400 each for an indoor hotspot, or about £450 for an outdoor one (if available).

Important: You need one operating at 868MhZ for the UK. The other frequencies won’t work.

Note: There are people on Ebay and social media pre-selling these at a crazy markup. All they’re doing is ordering from the suppliers listed below – so don’t be fooled into thinking people have them in stock. Some do, but you’ll pay well over the retail price for the speed of delivery. Always read the small print.

Bobcat Miner 300 – This company ships directly from China, and their unique selling point is that the hotspot will come with an antenna that is more powerful (4dbi) than any others.

Shipping time is currently given as “8-12 weeks”, and they have been one of the more successful companies in getting their hotspots out on schedule. Click here to view their order page. Please note you can only pay in cryptocurrency. You can get crypto to pay for the miner from Binance and other exchanges, and then follow the instructions in Bobcat’s Youtube video to pay.

Nebra – I ordered some extra hotspots from Nebra, and received them after 6 months. They’ve had a lot of delays – at the moment it seems to be about 6 months or more before shipping. They are sold via UK Company Pi Supply, based in Tunbridge Wells, and you pay in pounds. You can also get compatible antennas. The antenna it comes with is 2dbi, or you can buy bigger ones. Click here to view the Nebra hotspots for sale.

Note: Nebra were ‘sold out’ for ages but say they are coming back in stock soon.

RAK Miners via Calchip – I bought my first hotspot from these guys, though they’ve recently put their prices up, and I had to pay in US Dollars since they’re based in Pennsylvania, USA. In early 2021 they were the only ones you could order from (so I did), but I’ve since switched to Bobcat and Nebra, above. They did a good job of keeping people updated with the shipping (which took almost six months last year) and the hotspot is well built, and comes with a 2dbi antenna. Click here to view their hotspots.

I’m currently looking at the other companies who offer miners, but reviews are still mixed.

What about a second-hand hotspot?

If you’re buying a second-hand hotspot (they’re rare, but sometimes people do sell them) then you MUST have an agreement to have the ownership transferred to you, via the app.

This means that you need to take control of both the hotspot AND its 12-word password. Otherwise you’ll be happily mining HNT that goes into someone else’s account!

If it were me, I’d make sure I was buying a new one, or one that belonged to someone, but that was still in its box/unused and never set up. Otherwise, make sure the handover is legit.

Getting an Antenna for Further Reach

I live in a high flat overlooking many houses, so I wanted an antenna better than the 2dbi one my hotspot came with.

Nebra have a selection of antennas compatible with their hotspot – view them here. These will be shipped at the same time as the hotspots, though.

If you want the antenna sooner (like I did, since I already had the hotspot) then I also recommend Connex Tech, based in Buckingham. They sell the Nebra compatible antennas and a few others. They were very helpful when I chose mine. Antennas are about £30-50 and are well worth it if it means your hotspot can ‘witness’ another one and earn more HNT!

Is Bigger Better When it comes to Antennas?

I’ll be the first to admit I’m clueless about antennas, so did a bit of research. Apparently the higher the dbi, the longer the range, but the narrower the signal. Therefore if you’re in a busy urban environment, the 2dbi antenna the hotspots mostly come with might be better, since it’s a more ’rounded’ signal.

Or, if you’re on a hill like me – a 4.8dbi upwards might be better, for further reach. This image from Day Wireless illustrates it best:

A note on cables: the shorter, the better. The standard Nebra antennas come with a 5m cable, and I’m told that’s really the longest you should go with. If you can get a shorter one, that’s even better. Bear this in mind if you’re planning on mounting it on the roof or similar – the cable will have to run down to the hotspot itself.

Setting up a Helium Miner / Hotspot

Helium called their network ‘The People’s Network’ for a reason – they wanted to make it easy for everyone to take part in it.

For this reason, it’s very easy to set up and get your hotspot going, without any coding knowledge or any other expertise normally needed to run a crypto miner.

The hotspot needs three things:

• Power: Unlike bitcoin miners, Helium hotspots don’t have high power consumption (about 5w, or the same as a normal broadband router or LED light bulb)
• Wifi or Ethernet: Mine connects to our home wifi. The data it uses varies, but if you have a ‘normal’ broadband connection with wifi, you should be fine. I estimate mine uses 50gb/month.
• Smartphone: With the Helium App installed (which is free) – view it on the App Store or Google Play. You can use this to look at the Hotspot Explorer too, even if you don’t have a hotspot yet.

Bear in mind you might need to buy longer cables for power (it runs on USB-C and comes with the UK plug and power cord, but it might be too short). You’ll also need to make sure the wifi signal is OK where you want to place it.

Your hotspot comes with a quick start guide and a 12 word password. You should definitely keep the password safe – it’s your only ‘key’ to the app and subsequently, your HNT wallet!

Mine took about 15 minutes to set up, and the app runs you through the process. The hotspot takes 24-48 hours to synchronize with the Helium blockchain – you can view its progress on the app – then you’re good to go.

The hotspot will do all the things it should do, on its own. It will witness other hotspots, issue challenges, and collect HNT rewards – you don’t have to do anything else except check your HNT balance! It makes no noise, it just sits there, doing its thing.

However, the next tricky part is if you want to sell some HNT for British Pounds.

How do I Cash in my HNT for British Pounds?

At the time of writing, there are only a handful of cryptocurrency exchanges that have HNT listed as a cryptocurrency you can trade in. Converting your HNT to GBP is a bit tricky, but not impossible – and certainly worth it at today’s prices.

The only exchange I use for this (since it’s one of the world’s biggest) is Binance. You’ll need to open an account with them and go through various ID and security checks as part of their anti money laundering policies, which is normal for any exchange.

Bear in mind you have to be very careful when sending crypto – always make sure it goes to the right address, or you’ll lose it forever. There are plenty of tutorials on the Binance site – just make sure you’re visiting their real site. They will always have some sort of authentication message sent to your email and phone when you log in, withdraw, etc.

Once an account is set up, the steps I take are:

• Go to ‘deposit’ and then ‘deposit crypto’
• Under ‘coin’ select Helium / HNT
• A deposit address will appear on the right -this is the one you should send to, using the Helium app (easiest by using a QR code, which Binance will do for you if you select that)
• Send Helium to the Binance deposit address using the wallet section of the Helium app
• In my experience, it takes 5-10 mins to arrive, and Binance will alert you when it arrives
• Next, go to Trade – Advanced, and search for HNT / BTC (Helium to Bitcoin) and exchange as many HNT as you like for Bitcoins (BTC)

At the moment I am converting HNT to BTC (Bitcoins) with Binance, and then swapping the Bitcoins for pounds, and then withdrawing.

• Trade your BTC (bitcoin) for GBP (pounds). Then you’ll see an equivalent £ balance, and you can withdraw this via faster payments to your bank, or you might want to put it on a debit card.
• There are small fees for exchanging/trading/depositing/withdrawing throughout the process, though if you do it all in one go (e.g. do the exchange quickly, one after the other) then I’ve only had about 1% total taken in fees, and £1.50 for the faster payments withdrawal.

Another option is to send Bitcoins to Bitstamp (another exchange) to convert them to GBP, withdraw the GBP to your bank. You can open a Bitstamp account here. I’ve used them for years and they’re reliable. However this option means you have to have an account with both Binance and Bitstamp.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser, and this doesn’t constitute financial advice (or advice of any kind!). I’m just illustrating what I do, in case it helps. As with all things crypto, it’s entirely at your own risk.

It may be that some of the other big exchanges start to offer HNT on their platforms, in which case it might become easier (especially if they let you trade HNT directly for GBP, but at the moment, you have to change it into Bitcoin first).

Some people on various forums will offer to buy your HNT, but that is risky in itself, and you won’t get the market rate.

If you have any questions, need advice or just want to talk to fellow HNT enthusiasts, there’s a very active Discord channel that you can visit, too.

Overall, I hope this helps you if you’ve been curious about Helium, or wanted some UK-specific information on how it works. Compared to the USA there are far fewer hotspots in the UK and there are many places where there aren’t any, or only a handful.

As the “Internet of Things” takes off, I hope that adoption will do up – and those who help build the network will be rewarded. Good luck!

It originated in Asia a decade ago and has recently become popular with people who are looking for a creative hobby, or need to take some time out to relax and soothe their mind.

If you’re in the UK and wondering where to buy diamond kits, or looking for a new kit to complete, I’ve put together a list of decent diamond painting kits and answered some commonly asked questions too.

Best Place To Get 5D Diamond Painting Kits in the UK

Amazon UK (Click to see current kits)

The best place to get a 5D diamond painting kit at the moment is undoubtedly Amazon, with the most variety and painting kits for both adults and kids, you’re bound to find one you can complete either alone or as a family activity.

For example, this Wolf Pattern can be completed by people of all ages. The surface of the diamond has 17 square sections that makes the diamonds easier to hold and keeps them looking bright and shiny and makes the painting really stand out.

The oil painting canvas has a clear film cover to keep the canvas sticky whilst you complete the picture and a protective film to cover it to stop the diamonds from falling off.

Custom 5D Diamond Painting Kits (Also on Amazon)

This diamond painting custom photo kit allows you to upload a photo of your choice, which will then be adjusted by a designer to be clear and fit the frame size.

It comes with everything you need to turn your special picture into a diamond painting, including the diamonds, diamond pen tool, art canvas and organising tray. This kit would make a perfect gift for someone, or give you an opportunity to turn a treasured photo into a lovely piece of art.

We also have another recommendation below if you want to look at other custom diamond painting kits.

Pros:

• So many different styles to choose from, including kits to customise a photo of your choice
• Most kits come with everything you need to complete the picture (always check the description to be sure)
• Kits for many skill levels, from kids/beginners to adults and experts
• Amazon always have fast delivery times

Cons:

• As with anything from Amazon, make sure that you read the description and reviews so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Some sellers may not put all the information in the description

Cheapest Diamond Painting Kit in the UK

This 5D Diamond Painting Kit by Lidiper is very reasonably priced for such a good quality image. There are 5 different designs, each one is colourful and unique and will complement any room in your home. Choose from the cutest kitten with a butterfly on its nose, a family of giraffes with sunglasses or something else entirely.

The kit comes with a thick, waterproof canvas with a film cover that is designed to keep the canvas sticky  and help hold the diamonds in place whilst you finish your masterpiece.

The diamonds themselves have a rounded bottom, with 17 sections to make the picture stand out and the kit comes with everything you need to complete the painting. The picture itself is easy to follow, with each letter on the painting corresponding to a diamond colour making it a great activity to do alone or as a family.

Pros:

• 5 designs to choose from
• Comes with everything you need – high definition 30 x 30cm canvas, cube glue, drill pen, diamond tray and colourful diamonds
• Easy to follow
• Perfect as a calming, individual activity or as fun for the family

Cons:

• The canvas itself isn’t sticky, so you have to stick each individual diamond onto the canvas with glue

Best Full Drill Diamond Kits in the UK

Full Drill Diamond Painting Kits by Paint with Diamonds (Click to see current stock)

If you’re looking for kits that give a more sparkling effect to the finished picture, go for a full drill diamond kit (full drill refers to the diamonds covering the entirety of the canvas).

For example, this version of Starry Night, the famous painting by Van Gogh, is one of my favourite kits as the finished result is just so beautiful. You can choose from rounded or square diamonds which will provide different effects.

A rounded diamond will give a ‘cross-stitched look’ and leave little gaps in the picture, whereas the square diamonds will look more like mosaics, both look great – it just depends on which you prefer.

The iconic ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt has also been recreated as a diamond painting, providing you with more of a challenge and leaving you with a stunning art piece once finished.

You can choose the size of the picture you want to work on, the bigger the canvas you go for the sharper the details will be.

Something I love about the company that sells these full drill diamond kits (paintwithdiamonds.com) is that if something goes wrong with your kit, you lose some diamonds, or you make a mistake, they will replace the picture for free.

Pros:

• The company will replace your kit if something goes wrong
• Plenty of pictures to choose from, from landscape scenes to recreations of famous paintings
• Choose the canvas size
• Comes with everything you need
• Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
• Free delivery to the UK

Cons:

• Full drill kits may not be suitable for beginners as they need a bit more precision

Best Place To Get Custom Diamond Kits

PaintWithDiamonds Custom Kits (Click to check latest offers)

Not only are they the best place to get Full Drill Kits, paintwithdiamonds.com are the best place to get Custom Diamond Kits too.

They offer a variety of sizes and a range of styles to choose from, including one picture across different canvases. I love this custom kit that allows you to spread one picture of your choosing across 3 canvases that’d make a great feature piece on your walls, why not turn your wedding pictures into something even more spectacular?

They also offer a JUMBO Custom Diamond Kit that allows you to recreate a group picture without losing any detail due to the large size of the canvas. Again, you can choose between square or rounded diamonds and the kit comes with everything you need.

The company takes away any pressure of making sure your photo is perfect as they will ensure that the subject of your photo is the main focus of the diamond painting, that no details are lost and they will enhance the colour balance so there are no odd diamond colours in your picture.

Pros:

• The company will enhance your photo to ensure that your diamond painting kit doesn’t lose any details and will look the best it can
• Choose from a variety of sizes, from 20 x 30cm to 120 x 90cm
• They also do different styles of kit, spreading one picture over 3 or 5 different rectangular canvases to create a unique piece
• Kit includes everything you need
• Lifetime satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Again, may not be suitable for beginners

Best Disney Diamond Painting Kits

If you have a little one that loves Disney, or even love it yourself, then this Disney Diamond Painting Kit by Joydiy may be one for you.

It’s a full drill kit with rounded diamonds and a high quality image that is clear depicting the disney castle, with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in a boat. The canvas is waterproof, eco-friendly and has a special protective covering that ensures the finished picture will last for years to come.

Again, it comes with everything you need to complete the scene and framing it once finished would make it really stand out and add a lovely finishing touch.

It also comes with extra diamonds, which is great as it’s easy to lose a few when you’re working. Reviewers have said that the finished picture is lovely and the design is really easy to follow.

Pros:

• Everything included
• Full drill kit with rounded diamonds
• Waterproof and eco-friendly canvas
• Comes with extra diamonds
• Design is easy to follow
• Comes with tweezers that make it easy to remove diamonds that have been placed wrong or have fallen onto the picture by mistake

Cons:

• The instructions are printed around the border of the picture, so if you want to display the finished product then you may have to frame it to hide them

What Is Diamond Painting?

Diamond painting has recently grown in popularity and it involves following instructions to complete a picture painted with multi-faceted diamonds – similar to a paint by numbers! Painting with diamonds in this way makes the picture stand out, and gives it a 3D effect.

What’s The Difference Between 3D And 5D Diamond Painting?

You may be confused as to what the difference is between 3D diamond painting and 5D diamond painting, and it all comes down to the style of diamonds provided in the kit.

3D diamonds have 3 facets on each side, whereas 5D diamonds have 5. The more facets a diamond has – the more sparkling the effect will be.

How Do I Paint With Diamonds?

Diamond painting isn’t as complicated as it looks and a lot of kits come with easy to follow instructions. All you have to do is apply the corresponding diamond to the picture using tweezers or the diamond applicator tool, placing them as close together as possible.

Something to note is that the canvases often come with a protective film, especially if the canvas is sticky. It’s important not to fully remove the film completely, instead only remove it from the part that you’re working on. If you take the film off completely, the canvas can be exposed to dust and dirt particles and it can also dry out meaning that your crystals won’t stick.

Remember to recover the painting when you stop working on it too so that it doesn’t dry out – although this won’t be an issue if your kit has glue with it and each individual diamond needs to be glued down.

After reading this article, I hope you’ve found all the information that you’re looking for. Whether you’re a diamond painting newbie or it’s something you’ve been doing for years, I hope you find a kit that you like and treat yourself to some relaxing, ‘me-time’. Have fun!

Elderly people may be used to CDs, rather than streaming from a smartphone, and it can be difficult to find a decent CD player now technology is moving away from physical discs.

I just got my 93 year-old father into audiobooks on CD, and he also likes using the same player for the radio in the morning, and his favourite music in the evening. It’s been great for him, and an alternative to watching TV.

I had some trouble finding a simple compact disc player, so if you’re also looking for a CD player for an elderly relative or friend, I’ve put together a list of the 3 best senior-friendly CD players and provided some tips, too.

Groov-e CD Player Boombox

This is the one I got for dad, and he loves it.

This portable CD player by Groov-e supports all 3 CD functionalities (CD, CD-R and CD/RW) and also features both AM and FM radio stations, allowing your loved one to listen to their favourite station when they get up in the morning, whether that be a music station or the news.

It comes in 6 different colours and features a carry handle and telescopic antenna so you should get signal from anywhere.

The physical buttons are fairly large, meaning they’re easy to see and press and it also features an LED display, making it easy to see which track number is playing.

The player itself is 23 x 10 x 21cm, weighs 1.5kg and features a carry handle, so there’s no worry of being injured if an elderly relative was to move it.

The CD player also has a repeat function, allowing the user to put one song on repeat or to repeat the whole CD when it comes to an end, meaning there’s no faffing about trying to restart the disc – it does it automatically.

One of my favourite things about this boombox is that you can listen to it anywhere! It has a mains plug so you can plug it into the wall, but it can also be run off of batteries, meaning that it can be taken into the garden on a warm Summer evening.

If there’s a certain song they just need to listen to, but they don’t have it on CD, the player features an aux-in function allowing a smartphone mp3 player or tablet to be plugged in! And if listening in private is something they prefer, it has a headphone socket too.

Pros:

• Compact and light
• 6 colours
• Large buttons
• LED display
• Carry handle
• AM/FM Radio
• Supports all 3 CD functionalities
• Headphone jack
• Mains and battery powered
• Aux-in function
• Repeat function

Cons:

• Only supports CD and radio, no cassette tapes

Philips Portable CD Player

This portable CD player by Philips is compatible with all 3 CD functionalities. It allows you to listen to FM radio and features a dynamic bass boost, allowing you to customise the bass frequencies which may be helpful for those who are hard of hearing.

The big buttons are easy to understand and press and the screen is large and easy to see. The player also features a shuffle/repeat function – once your favourite CD is loaded in, pressing the shuffle button will play the tracks in a different order.

Something I absolutely love about this player is that it features a tape deck, which isn’t too common nowadays! All those cassette tapes that your elderly relative has stored away no longer have to stay collecting dust, they can actually be played!

This CD player also features an Audio-in function, which allows you to play music through the CD player’s speakers from another device, such as a smartphone or computer.

It’s 13.3 x 24 x 30cm and weighs 2kg, so it’s relatively compact and won’t take up much space. Reviewers have said that despite its small size, it has a clear and powerful sound and doesn’t sound ‘tinny’, even with the volume on low.

Pros:

• Good sound
• Compact and light
• Tape deck
• Radio
• Dynamic bass boost
• Easy to see buttons
• Shuffle/Repeat functions
• Audio-in function

Cons:

• No headphone port
• No carry handle

Roxel Portable Boombox

This portable boombox by Roxel comes in 7 different colours and has a variety of playback modes. It can play the radio, CDs, mp3 players connected by USB drive or aux-in and can even be used as a bluetooth speaker.

It can be mains powered or battery powered and the physical buttons are large, with contrasting colours which make them easy to see and press.

It also features an LCD screen that allows you to find and save your favourite radio stations so there’s no need to flick through the channels every time you want to find the correct station.

I think one of the best things about this boombox is that it comes with a remote that allows the user to change volume, skip tracks, and switch between CD, radio, USB and aux modes.

This means that this player would be suitable for someone who is bed-bound or cannot move around easily as they can listen to music and control it themselves, giving them that sense of independence.

This CD player also comes with a 1-year warranty, so if there’s a fault or it stops working for whatever reason then you’re covered.

Pros:

• 7 different colours
• Can play CD, USB, aux, and radio
• Mains or battery powered
• Large buttons with contrasting colours
• LCD display that’s easy to see
• Can save radio stations
• Comes with a remote
• Carry handle
• 21 x 27 x 13cm – 1.45kg so easy to move and carry
• 1 year warranty

Cons:

• No headphone jack
• Lid to CD compartment can be stiff

Playing Audiobooks For The Elderly

There’s nothing quite like an exciting story, but as we get older and our eyesight weakens it can be difficult to read a book.

However, that doesn’t mean that the elderly person can’t still enjoy a good story, audiobooks are becoming popular nowadays and you don’t need a strong understanding of modern technology to play them as audiobook CDs are still around!

Sites such as Audible, although known for their subscription service, also offer CD versions of many audio books.

Amazon itself also has a whole host of CD audiobooks, from a whole range of genres.

Most bookstores, such as Waterstones, also offer physical audio books, although if you don’t want to keep the audio book once you’ve listened to it – a library loan may be a better option.

Getting an audiobook from a library or bookstore also gives senior citizens the chance to get the book for themselves if they’re not computer literate as they can go into a shop and choose it, rather than having to rely on someone to order it for them.

After reading this article, I hope that you’ve found the information you’re looking for. Although, if you’re still unsure, charities such as ageuk always have plenty of advice on technology for senior citizens.

I’ve also written up the times I was buying my elderly father other items, like a microwave, toaster and exercise machine.

With so many different options out there it can be a little overwhelming, so I’ve put together a guide for those looking for the best telescopes for beginners, including the best options and where to buy from.

This was written in conjunction with my friend Fabian, who has built a giant telescope in his back garden in Warrington. No, he’s not a beginner, but he was once – and helped me put together this guide.

Best Astronomical Telescope For Beginners in the UK

Binocular and Tripod Beginner Bundle
(Check Orion’s Price)

This 15×70 Astronomical Binocular and HD-F2 Tripod Bundle by Orion is an ideal option for beginners as it’s practical, lightweight and easy to set up.

Because the setup is binoculars rather than a telescope, it’s suitable for all the family, including the kids, as it’s easier to understand and look through.

In the UK, it’s very rare that we have a clear night sky – especially if you live in the city – so what’s great about this particular model is that with the 70mm objective lenses and 15-power magnification, you’ll still get a great view of the skies no matter where you live.

The included tripod ensures that you get a stable view and the binoculars can follow star clusters with smooth movement.

It also ensures that you arms don’t tire out from holding the binoculars for long periods of time, just attach them to the tripod instead!

The tripod is adjustable and the binoculars have an 18mm eye relief so it doesn’t matter if you’re tall, short or wearing glasses – this bundle will be comfortable and give you great views.

According to one reviewer, these binoculars offer clear and sharp images of the moon’s mountains and craters as well as the Milky Way!

These binoculars also provide great views during the day too, so if you’re a bird watcher or love looking at daytime wildlife then these are suitable for that too.

Pros:

• Tripod and binoculars
• Bright views no matter where you live
• Suitable for daytime and nighttime viewing
• Adjustable tripod
• 15 x magnification for close up views
• Portable
• Built in spirit level on the tripod
• Binoculars come with a carry case, neck strap and eyepiece caps

Cons:

• Can sometimes fog up
• Focusing knobs are stiff

Best Dobsonian/Stargazing Telescope For UK Beginners

Skyquest XT4.5 Dobsonian Telescope Kit
(Check Orion’s Price)

When looking for a good telescope, you should always take note of the aperture. This is the size of the light-gathering lens or mirror – the larger the aperture, the more you’ll be able to see and with better clarity.

Dobsonian telescopes have these characteristics and are best for deep-sky observation of distant galaxies and bright nebulae.

You should look for apertures of at least 70mm if you want a good view of the night sky.

The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit is a good value bundle.

The telescope, with its 114mm aperture and 900mm focal length, collects 260% more light than a typical beginner refractor telescope to give you amazing views of planets, nebulas, lunar craters and galaxies.

The 6×26 correct image finder scope makes it easier to aim the telescope at certain objects.

Then, once you’ve found something of interest you can choose your magnification setting with the 2 included Sirius Plossl eyepieces. One is a 25mm that gives 36x power magnification and the other is a 10mm for a whopping 91x magnification.

The telescope itself is easy to set up and balance with the CorrecTension springs that allow for complete motion control.

Once the tube is attached to the base, the springs keep it in place so no dismantling is needed. One of our family friends in London keeps this by the window so they don’t have to set it up every time a clear night comes along.

The telescope and base can be carried as a unit with the handle, and it’s really lightweight, weighing just 17.6lbs altogether.

This makes it easy to move to better viewing spots, whether that’s your back garden or somewhere else entirely as you can just pick up the telescope and go – no need to faff around building it and then dismantling it!

One reviewer commented that this model is the ultimate grab-and-go scope, with excellent views of both bright stars and planets.

This particular model also comes with a Starry Night Special Edition software download that allows you to explore the night sky with realistic simulations when the weather means you can’t use your telescope.

This software will also help you to understand what it is you’re seeing when using the telescope and can also help you plan your observations, which is helpful for beginners who may not be as knowledgeable. It also maintains interest when there isn’t a clear night.

Using the software in conjunction with the telescope can be a great way to get the kids involved and teach them about space!

Pros:

• Collects 260% more light than a typical beginner telescope
• Correct image finder
• 2 x eyepieces
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Built in Navigation knob
• Free Starry Night Special Edition software download

Cons:

• Can be difficult to assemble alone
• Font on software is a bit small to read

Best Reflector Telescope For Beginners in the UK

Spaceprobe Equatorial Reflector Telescope
(Check Orion’s Price)

Reflector telescopes have a primary mirror inside the open tube that reflects the light onto a smaller secondary mirror, which then reflects the light back to the eyepiece.

This type of telescope allows for a much larger aperture size than those available with a refractor telescope.

This Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope is designed for beginner/intermediate stargazers and has a huge 5.1” (129.54mm) aperture that gathers enough light to see celestial objects deep in the night sky.

This telescope is compact, weighs just 27lbs and has a smaller tube compared to the standard model making it easy to move.

It comes with 2 eyepieces so you can search for celestial objects and then look in closer detail, and also has a 6×30 finderscope to accurately aim the telescope at an object of interest.

Once aligned, have a look through the finder scope and centre the crosshairs on the object, look back through the telescope and the object that you want to see will be in perfect view!

This model also comes with a tripod mount that allows you to track things as they move across the sky so you can see moving targets like comets in all their glory.

The tripod is adjustable and includes an accessory tray so wherever you decide to set it up you can ensure that you’ve got everything that you need with you with ease of access.

One reviewer said that the mount is extremely sturdy and that the optics are easy to adjust, allowing them to see the Andromeda galaxy, Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings!

Pros:

• Portable and lightweight
• 5.1” aperture
• Finder scope
• 2 x eyepieces
• Quick to set up
• Included tripod with accessory tray
• Starry Night Special Edition software download

Cons:

• Vague instructions, although people have said that it’s still easy to put together despite this

Where’s The Best Place To Buy A Telescope In The UK?

When it comes to buying a telescope, yes, you guessed it – you get what you pay for. You’ll likely have to spend a bit more in order to get something decent.

Opting for a cheaper option probably won’t allow you to see much more than the moon, and will have low aperture and magnification levels – so if you’re serious about getting into astronomy then you should opt for something that’s going to be worth your while.

It’s best to buy from a reputable buyer that is an expert in the field and offers great customer service, such as Orion. You’ll have noticed that I recommend all their products here and there’s a good set of reasons why.

Orion has been selling telescopes since 1975, so you can be assured that they really know their stuff.

On their site, each telescope has a recommended user level such as Beginner, Intermediate etc along with a plethora of information in regards to what to look for in a telescope and how to choose one that suits your needs.

They have an online chat experience that allows you to speak to an expert and ask any questions that you may have to ensure that you are informed before you purchase anything.

Amazingly, they also offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not entirely happy with your telescope.

Just Want a Cheap, Basic Telescope?

If you want ‘cheap and cheerful’ and you’re on a very low budget then you can still use sites such as Amazon to get a Telescope – though bear in mind Orion are an independent British company and it’s good to support them! However, they don’t stock the very cheapest end of the market.

If you’re just looking for a simple telescope gift for someone, who perhaps isn’t yet into astrology but you think they might enjoy it then something like the National Geographic 50/600 AZ may be a better option.

It comes with a mount and tripod and has magnification up to 100x that allows you to see the moon clearly.

Bear in mind that going for something like this probably isn’t suitable for more serious stargazers, and instead can be more of a ‘fun’ gift or a way to spark an interest in children!

Then again, if they do lose interest or break it then you haven’t spent as much!

After reading this article, I hope I’ve given you some insight into what’s best in the perfect beginner’s telescope.

There’s no doubt that after a little research you’ll find one that suits you and be in awe of the wonders of the night sky above us, there’s just so much to discover than you can see with the naked eye!