[Video] DIY - Reusing tooth brush for acquarium cleaning

This is excerpt from the video we posted in our YouTube channel  The J3D Family. We recommend watching the video embedded at the end of this post.

[Video] iRobot Braava - Unboxing

Below is a review of iRobot Braava robot floor mop. 

[Video] Software based green screen in OBS - Poor man's technique to hide background without green screen

Below are some excepts from the video on software based green screen. When we do tutorials the background is distracting, so the general practiced solution is to put a green screen and filter green color during editing. Getting Physical screen is not easy for beginner YouTubers especially they are not sure they will continue YouTubing or not. Also space is a problem. Here is an alternative to physical green screen. Its software based green screen

 

[Video] Review HitFilm Express as free video editor

As a content creator we have to constantly look for better tools. Video editor is the important tool for a YouTuber. This is a comparison between Shotcut which is currently in use v/s HitFilm Express. Shotcut is completely free. HitFilm Express is free with in-app purchases. Please watch the video whether the HitFilm Express make sense as a free alternative to Shotcut

https://fxhome.com/store/hitfilm-express#edit-starter

[Video] Jetson Nitro All-Terrain Hoverboard

First part about Jetson Nitro All-Terrain Hoverboard. This video is about unboxing and basic ride. Next video is planned on how to setup the mobile application.

Have a look at the video below and add your valuable comments in YouTube

[Video] First hiking

This is mainly excerpt from the video embedded below. We would encourage watching the video than reading this post.

Today we are just showing our first hike in the United States. Don't think that we used to do hiking frequently back in India. We used to take one hike every year to a pilgrimage place called Malayatoor. This video is about hiking in the Ramapo Mountains in New Jersey. There are many trails in the area. So more specifically Ramapo Lake trailhead.

Planning

Since we did it as a family of 2 kids, it may be useful for other families to talk about planning. Please note we are not hiking experts and please do your judgments.

Place and route

This Ramapo hiking area near to route interstate 287 and accessible via Skyline drive by taking exit 57. There are 2 car parking lots. Better take the first one when coming from interstate route 287. That parking area has a toilet.

All the trails are properly marked. That was the biggest consideration. We are not experienced hikers or knows how to navigate properly by just looking at a paper map. Also, we were not sure there will be enough signal for mobile to follow map by GPS. There are offline maps even on Google map. But decided not to take any risk.

We choose to take the MacEvoy trail which leads to the lake. If we have still energy, the plan was to take castle point trail which takes us to Van Slyke Castle. If more energy left, goto Ramapo Water Tower Ruins. Total distance is 1.5 miles

The important thing when hiking with kids is the reward after hiking. There should be something to see after the hike. This route has 3 attractions. We can stop at any of these attractions based on the mode of kids. Even if we stop in the middle, they get a satisfaction that they saw something.

Another good thing with this trail is that there is a stream along the way to the lake.

Data, Time & Climate

We did it in the spring last year. We choose spring as that is the time when there is no snow but enough cold. Hot summer days are difficult to hike. Fall is fine, but the visibility will be less. In spring, we get better visibility as there are not many leaves on trees.

This year we are planning to go but not yet decided due to Covid-19. Maybe it will be fine on a weekday than a busy weekend to avoid any possible contacts.

Things to carry

We took some food, water, juice, extra pair of kid's dress, some papers in case we need to sit somewhere, and first aid. Reduced to one backpack which is easy to carry by myself. But we had full setup in the van in case anything required. Since the trail is very short it is easy to go back to the van and get anything more required. Better do research based on your hiking location, climate, etc...Oh, don't forget to take a camera with a fully charged battery. Without memories, there is no meaning for the trips. Dhanya thinks we should enjoy a trip than taking photos. Also, make sure the mobile is also fully charged. Though we didn't take, better take a power bank.

Trip

We reached there around 2PM. There were 3 or 4 spots available out of 25 spots. The place is normally busy. Better reach early morning. If not afternoon as the morning hikers may be leaving the place by then. Here you are seeing how I equipped myself. Though Jerin had slowly started to walk, we decided to carry him so that we can move a little faster. He was comfortable.

The first adventure we saw immediately starting the hike is this wooden pole bridge. Johan enjoyed jumping on these poles to cross the stream.

Next comes a rock. This gives us a feeling that yeah we are doing it. It is a little steep but manageable to climb. We didn't get a chance to record our climbing video. This is another group hiking there.

During the hike, we saw just enough people feel that we are not alone. But not crowded. Dogs are allowed and most of the groups have one.

Locating the marks was easy. There are blue tags on the tree. From one tree we can locate the next tag with just enough efforts. Not as easy as the next tree but some effort to locate tree around. Johan was our navigator locating the tags. Kids enjoy this navigation.

Another thing is we had to cross the stream one time. We definitely get wet when crossing the stream. while coming back Johan tried themselves crossing the stream.

We had some stops in between. Johan wanted to take some rest.

But without much trouble, we were able to reach the lake. The lake is at the intersection of N Shore Dr and Rye Cliff Road. It seems this place is car accessible via the Rye Cliff Road. It took us around 1 hour to cover .6 miles. There is a small dam that opens water to the stream that runs along the hiking trail. We spend there around 30 mins. At the south end of the dam, there is an opening which we can use to access the lake. It seems no swimming or fishing permitted but just we can feel the water. We were not able to continue hiking as Johan got a call of nature. Really missed the castle and the water tank ruins. Also a view of the city.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/41.0325371,-74.2520722/41.0367954,-74.2591141/@41.0345963,-74.2599635,1125m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e2

Coming down was very simple. But this is the time we need to be careful as normally kids may run fast and there are chances of falling down. It was difficult to get Johan going slow. He wants to run. 

While coming down we though the steep hill may be a trouble. But it was easy as the rocks were not wet and we can get enough grip to safely get down.

Before finishing the trip we spent some time near the stream. The sound of the stream is really inspirational. We also let Jerin walk for some time during the return trip. After using the restroom, we returned back home deciding will do the complete hike later. Now we have a DJI Osmo Pocket camera. So next time we will be video recording everything than animating photos

Rebranding Joymon's tech blog to 'The J3D Family'

 Dear readers,

This blog was mainly used to post technical things other than the programming stuff. I started when I was a bachelor when I had more time to manage more blogs. As my career advanced and family grew, it is very difficult to manage multiple blogs. Also, I started serious YouTubing. 3 channels currently and planning to start one in my mother tongue Malayalam. The current 3 channels are for programming, kids videos, and family videos.

The technology posts other than programming are mainly family-related. So I am using a single channel for the family which talks about many things including technology and science. As part of that this channel is also getting rebranded as "The J3D Family" to match with our family YouTube channel.

Hope you got it and thanks for your support.

Joy George Kunjikkuru