Wednesday, 17 July 2019

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

How To Make A Timelapse From Sequential Images (Again)

https://d.tube/v/kiwibloke/oj5qedja9wl

about
This type of timerlapse (some call it a drivelapse) is something I've always wanted to try but never got around to creating one. The actual timelapse is from the 10sec mark to the 46sec mark, after this I describe how I created this on my Linux Mint machine.

This is a BASH script update where I've added some help lines at the end of the script.

thoughts
A drivelapse would be more suited to a longish country road ride, driving in a suburb or city makes the resulting video a bit too cluttered.

I need a new microphone!!

technical
Camera/Phone
- Sony HDR-CX405: showing the Sony mounted on the Windscreen
- Sony FDR-X3000: Video recording - 4K images at 1sec intervals.

Software
- OBS for Linux: Screen capture
- Rendered with kdenlive for Linux Mint

my external links
Bash Script (3002.txt):
https://mega.nz/#!LMsyiChJ!1NxZREiISKChKtPPuc4yFp5ZZ6ct2l4v_N1v7jydQjk

- rename 3002.txt to 3002.sh
- move 3002.sh into /bin/ folder
- open terminal in /bin/ folder as root
- in terminal type chmod +x 3002.sh
- PS this didn't work for me, therefore I right clicked an 3002.sh then changed the properties/permissions and made it executable

- you may get further errors due to missing external programs, run these next lines in the terminal
- sudo apt install mencoder
- sudo apt install imagemagick-6.q16

- if all is well, type 3002.sh in any folder that contains your sequential images
- on some linux distros I had to
  -> type sudo 3002.sh

**ATTENTION**

I've just noticed my script only works on .JPG file extension, there is 3 ways to resolve this problem

1. (Best) use the bash script to recognize the extension (jpg JPG jpeg png bmp etc) then continuing to process the timelapse as per normal taking into account the image extension.

2. (Terrible but all my cameras do this) Only use cameras that output .JPG files LoL.

3. (for .jpg only) in terminal type -> rename 's/.jpg/ .JPG/' *

My Huawei P8lite creates .jpg images so when I get to update the script for option 1, option 3 will do for now.

Friend me on Endomondo: https://www.endomondo.com/profile/35696393

**D.tube Exclusive**

Thursday, 4 July 2019

Steemit Censorship: You're Not Allowed to Have an Opinion!

Totally disappointing ... it appears this platform not only stops people from expressing an opinion, but they also remove any rewards for those that speak out.

No reason given, do not even ask why!



Threatening is not a way to make people to go there, I most certainly won't encourage  any of my contacts to go to this platform. I looked at this guys comment and saw nothing wrong with it at all.


Extremely interesting reading, downvoting also seems attract the attention of this abusereports , so why have the option. Seriously!

I can't see myself staying on this platform much longer!

Thursday, 20 June 2019

0002 - Run: Mary Crowther

https://d.tube/#!/v/kiwibloke/wdywbsud
about
This is where my real journey with #Exhaust begins.

I have never done any sort of running since leaving school many years ago, and now with this new Steem App? it's time lead a better lifestyle. I do a lot of cycling and quite frankly running scares me. So this 1st run was about walking and running to see if I would continue. I'm not sure what a good starting distance should be but I'm happy with todays (small) run.

technical
How to shoot running videos ? Running while holding my camera gave terrible shakey results. So instead I'm going for the plant the tripod somewhere I can get a nice scenery shot while recording myself doing loops. This allows me to do a PnP (picture in picture) video to showcase something else (who would want to watch me doin loops, totally boring). With my mobile phone in my pocket recording GPS information while running has made creating this type of content fun.

thoughts
It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, I can do this! The aim is to phase out the walking interval.

my external links (not sure how long I will keep youtube/blogger, my goal is move away from Google)
Friend me on Endomondo: https://www.endomondo.com/profile/35696393
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPrOD2d5D17haHApvJMhNKg
Blog: http://www.taramai.nz

**D.tube Exclusive**

0001 - Walking: Colonial Knob

https://d.tube/#!/v/kiwibloke/ipafl8p8
**About**
Following this mornings USO group cycle ride, instead of doing my usual morning cool down 40km ride, I decided to do a small walk up the steps of Colonial Knob Walkway, out in Porirua Wellington. This is quite a challenge because I've only done this once 2 years ago and it was hard then. This time round, it's winter, wet, muddy and windy, definitely not ideal. These spur of the moment decisions are crazy but the view at the top was worth it. Check out the heavy breathing going on LoL, I don't like walking or running, so this is a new journey I'm undertaking.

I did not expect a bicycle pump at the top, even though I knew there is are excellent down hill mountain bike tracks up here.

**Thoughts**
This video would be a great way to start my outdoor activities series. I forgot to take the selfie stick because it would've helped to reduce camera shake. I'll be better prepared next time.

**My External Links** (not sure how long I will keep youtube/blogger, my goal is move away from Google)
Friend me on Endomondo: https://www.endomondo.com/profile/35696393
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPrOD2d5D17haHApvJMhNKg
Blog: http://www.taramai.nz

**D.tube Exclusive**

Friday, 14 June 2019

Sony FDR-X3000, Endomondo, Virb Edit Exp. Part 2 Cycling.

https://d.tube/#!/v/kiwibloke/eaffn5dw

**The Ride**
I wasn't as well prepared as I should've been for this ride. I was too impatient to go out instead of doing a thorough bike check. Re-indexing the gears, correct seat height and angle, tyre pressures, chain condition etc things I check on my road racing bike meticulously and regularly. Most importantly, I didn't place a 1/4inch camera mount for the Sony FDR-X3000 camera anywhere on the bike (turned out to be brilliant). This was not an enjoyable ride, physically.

Apart from that LoL, I still picked up some helpful ideas while editing this video. All the riding video clips were taken with me holding the camera. And because I was riding so slow I got bored and started pointing the camera, up, down, sideways left & right, backwards; knowing full well my mobile phone was recording the GPS tracking data via Endomondo. I was praying that I don't drop the Sony camera AND hoping instant stopping doesn't come into play. I am actually pleased how the clips have turned out.

Watching how others use Virb Edit, I decided putting all the gauges in the bottom right hand side works better for me. Know this helps me decide where to point the camera while recording clips.

**Thoughts**
The way this overlay editor merges GPS data with multiple short video clips still amazes me. This is most likely going to be my overlay editor of choice. Although there is still a need to do some post processing in another video editor (because I like to have better control over audio and titles).

https://www.endomondo.com/
https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=6591

**D.tube Exclusive**

Monday, 10 June 2019

The Sony FDR-X3000, Endomondo, Virb Edit Experiment.

https://d.tube/#!/v/kiwibloke/l30t1x6k

Virb Edit, creating data overlays for you sports videos. This inbuilt editor is AMAZING, but lets go back to the beginning as to how I started putting this together.

Method

The Walk (that's me and it was freezing outside, mid winter, gets dark at 5:30pm)
- record using Endomondo the entire walk on my Huawei P8lite
- during the walk, record snippets on the Sony FDR-X3000 camera
Video Creation (all with Virb Edit)
- import all the video clips (as is), place in timeline
- while playing through the timeline, trim each clip
- export the GPS to GXP (using Endomondo Website)
- import the GPX file
THE SHOCK
- 1st gauge I added: position - track (the map inside the circle)
- when played, Virb Edit knew where each video clip appears on the track
- as you watch this video you can see the dots move accordingly
- there can be discrepencies within a few meters, you can fine tune if you want
Completion
- add music (provided by Virb Edit)
- add titles

Thoughts

This was all created in-house, no external editors used. I really am impressed with this software (and yes it is free). What is important to realise, the data here is based on a GPS signal and the accuracy of a satelitte. Still, as a graphical indiction I think it is really cool. I really don't like the existing gauges but you do have the ability to create your own.

I wouldn't necessarily use an overlay like this on all my video's, probably when there is sports events, like to 10km charity walks I sometimes participate in. I had fun putting this together.

Note
 
The Endomondo App provides alot more GPS data than the Sony FDR-X3000 which results in more gauges you can use.

https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=6591

**D.tube Exclusive**

Sunday, 9 June 2019

Steemit: 2 Weeks On and my Thoughts

I'm really starting to enjoy using this platform, even though I have so much more to learn. Buzz words like cryptocurrency, blockchain, steem, steem power, steem dollars are totally exciting and I liken it to the game Monopoly. I've posted some content, earned some Steem, Steem Power and Steem Dollars.

Is this real money ??? it can be but from what I've seen I'm just not interested at this point in time. but this is where the fun starts for me ......

STEEM POWER, I gots the power !!!

With this I can control post payouts, ie the more Steem Power (SP) I have, my upvotes will count more and will award different content creators SP and Steem dollars as well. How cool is that!!


For me, this platform is about content and creating content, which I'm not very good at and seldom create. In fact I make videos so that I can look back on snippets of my life, and if other people watch then that is all well and good too.

You can view the upvotes as seen on above image, who upvoted and how much influence each voter has based on their (SP). Currently my SP is so low, my upvotes are valued at $0.0000 LoL but hey, we all start somewhere. Let's peek at my Steemit Wallet ..



5 minutes ago my Steem Power was 1.033, so here's what I did to increase it. I transferred the Steem Dollars ($0.80approx) I earned from my posts to Steem ($2.00approx via Internal Market), which I then Powered Up increasing my Steem Power.

So my short term goal unfolds, when I upvote, I want it to have real meaning.


It is all about content, and not earnings

For Vidme .... I will always remember you guys.
- Amberthest
- Ravenmor Fox
- Dazzlinglatte
- Flying Purple Pizzas
- Calibri Funtimes
- Stefan Jenkins
- Kirsty J
- Jonna

Friday, 7 June 2019

Opening of Wainuiomata Hill Shared Path, New Zealand

https://d.tube/v/kiwibloke/oyunyshq
This was a significant event, especially those that live in this suburb of Wainuiomata. The only access into the area is by this road. When they upgraded the road from 2 lanes (1 up 1 down) to 4 lanes, there really wasn't any room for cyclists though there are those like myself that risked being brushed aside by vehicles. Walking/running up either side of this Hill on gravel had it's risks as well, but the workout you get from it made it worth while.

This shared pathway (pedestrians/cyclists) is definitely going to become popular and there are some concerns, mainly aimed at the cycling community which I can totally understand. It really comes down to common sense, I ride/race on a road bike and coming down here at 60km+/hr would be the norm, therefore using this shared path is not an option for me. This brings us to those who drive over the hill in vehicles, who yell at cyclists to get off the road and back onto the new created shared path. I will ignore them, safety of pedestrians on this path are more important and unless I purposely ride up/down at 10km/hr or slower I will stay on the road. The next few months as summer approaches will be interesting.

My grandson and I, enjoyed the sunshine, the community spirit, and this wonderful path that we walked on today.

Camera: Sony FDR-X3000
Video Editor: kdenlive on Linux Mint 64bit

USO Kupe Ride, Korokoro to Haywards Intersection, New Zealand.

https://d.tube/v/kiwibloke/5o32czde
A typical Kupe group ride, hills and rotation work. It's always nice to ride with the elite riders in this club, who come out and support the social side.

This video is part of my new experience using Exhaust with Steemit. Not only that, I have always used Endomondo (android app for my Huawei P8lite phone). With this App I can export the workouts GPS data as TCX or GPX, which works well with Exhaust. If you use this App I'd be happy to add you as a friend, just drop a comment.

Android App: Endomondo
Camera: Sony FDR-X3000
Overlays: created with Dashware on Win10 64bit
Video Editor: kdenlive on Linux Mint 64bit
Bike: Specialized Allez 2018 (Entry Level Road Bike)

My Thought of the Week: IPFS

https://d.tube/v/kiwibloke/75shs3zs
What is IPFS ... yes I've seen the definitions and what it is capable of with file sharing. Does running it help D.tube or Steemit in some way working in the background. Using the file system found on the "webui' I added a picture of myself (I know, boring but at least I won't run into copyright issues) and got a sharing link.

https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmRn88qP6XFP2HS2ovki3N9chzy4G3VbkGV4xCyUMXjKfa

This is all well and good, if I wish to share something, but does me sharing 1 file help the community. I feel as if I have missed something important here.

I would be extremely appreciative for any feedback.

Note: Installation on Linux Mint problems - resolved
- go here ... https://canyouseeme.org/ ... see if world can see service on port 4001
- this port opens "AFTER" the daemon is run
1 - turn off the Gufw firewall
2 - set router port forward 4001 (I even set this computer as DMZ host, probably not necessary)

3 - if using Noscript - disable it
4 - Go here ... https://easyengine.io/tutorials/linux/increase-open-files-limit ... Per-User Limit

Featured Post

USO Fresh Ride Eastbourne

Another enjoyable ride, I'm well used to going down this route. There are some places where the road doesn't allow a car and a cyc...