Thursday, January 17, 2019

Using VLC to extract mp3 audio from common video files


Once awhile I will need to extract the audio in mp3 format from video file while doing video editing. One of the easiest way is with the Open Source video player VLC. The below instruction is based on Windows 10 and VLC version 3.06 you can download the VLC player free from https://www.videolan.org I highly recommend this program.

1. With VLC successfully installed. Open the program, on the top manual click “Media ->  Convert/Save “



2. A windows name “Open Media” will open, locate and click “Add”



3. A new windows name “Select one or multiple files” will open. Locate and select the video file you want to extract the audio, then click “Open”



4. Back to the previous Windows name “open Media”, click the drop down arrow in “Convert/Save” and click “convert”



5. A new windows name “Convert” will open. On the drop down manual select “Audio – MP3”, then on the “Destination files:” click “Browse”



6. A mew windows name “Save file” will open. You can change to the correct folder and give name to the mp3 file there. After you are done click “Save”



7. Back to the previous windows name “Covert”. The “Destination file: “ should show the correct path and file name of your mp3 file. If all the information are correct, then click “Start” to initiate the audio extraction. Depends on the file size and the settings, the process could take a few sec to a few long minutes. And you are done. 




Note. You can play around the settings to select different audio format and settings. Have fun. 


Wednesday, January 16, 2019

DIY boat launching wheel – my build detail and experiences, tips, trick, material, size and how to.

I posted my inflatable boat launching video last Summer. Since then I have received many viewers message asking for the detail of my build. So this video is to show the details of my DIY boat launching wheel with some tip and tricks and how to. Hopefully it will help if you plan to build one.

Here are some more close up photos with measurement detail. The tools used and material list and FAQ are below. 
Tube to pole measurement 

Back of the bracket mount. Don't forget to add caulk to seal the holes

Use step bits to enlarge the the hole to 5/8" for axle

vertical measurement 

vertical measurement 

Total height 

FAQ:
1.  How strong is your wheel? Can I tow the boat with these wheels behind my car? 
A: Although these wheels are pretty strong, but definitely do not tow this behind your car and drive around town! No part of this design are safe for towing behind a car at all! Don’t do it. It is crazy. 

2. Can this launch wheel be used in salt water. 
A: It is not recommended. As you see, the build material are mostly not rated for salt water or brackish water. If you must use your in ocean you should replace all materials with stainless parts. Only the 5/16 nuts and bolt are stainless in my material list

3. How difficult of this build? 
A: I will be frank with you that most of the build is just about cutting and sanding. It is not that difficult. The most difficult part for me is to measure and mark where to drill and mount these angle pieces on the transom. The way I do it is to use a cardboard to cut a template, tape it on the transom, partially assembly the pole and the brackets, then play with the location for these bracket. Check all the dimension, adjust and  make sure the wheels are cleared the tube. Then I drilled the holes and put everything together. With all the parts available it took me two/three hours to put everything together. That is not so bad. 

4. Can you mod the design to add a spring and notches to make it even easier to put the wheel up and down as on some of the expensive wheel kit? 
A: I think it is not that difficult to add these features to the design. But I have no plan to do it at this time. For one I like simple, clean, and reliable design. Using a pin to hold the wheels up and down is really not that difficult at all. Adding more parts is just adding more cost, more build time, and more possible points of failure. So simple is the best.

Tools used:
Angle Grinder + cutting disc- for cutting metal  https://amzn.to/2Mdidbd  https://amzn.to/2DeyN7s
Metal file – file down the sharp metals after cutting https://amzn.to/2FvxdR5
Wrenches: to install the bolt https://amzn.to/2W0SIOX
Ratchet with sockets: to install the bolt https://amzn.to/2MdXTGG
Drill with bit: Drill holes to transom for installation https://amzn.to/2Dfq05p
Step Bit: to enlarge hole for axel installation https://amzn.to/2DaWJsq

Material:
Qty2: 10 in. Pneumatic Tire on White Wheels https://amzn.to/2Mbr5xP
Qty 1: 1-1/4 in. x 36 in. Zinc-Plated Punched Square Tube https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-1-4-in-x-36-in-Zinc-Plated-Punched-Square-Tube-803047/206939537  (cut to two 18” pieces)
Qty1: 1-1/2 in. x 14-Gauge x 48 in. Zinc-Plated Slotted Angle https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crown-Bolt-1-1-2-in-x-14-Gauge-x-48-in-Zinc-Plated-Slotted-Angle-802417/204225778  (cut to four 7-1/2” pieces as mounting brackets)
Qty 2: 5/8” 4in Hex bolt (use as wheel axels)
Qty 2: 5/8” lock nuts
Qty 2: 5/8” washers
Qty 8: 5/16-18 1-1/2in stainless Hex bolts
Qty 2: 5/16-18 2in stainless Hex bolts
Qty 10: 5/16-18 nuts
Qty 10: 5/16 lock washers
Qty 2: 1/4 in. x 2 in pins
DAP Alex Plus White Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Alex-Plus-10-1-oz-White-Acrylic-Latex-Caulk-Plus-Silicone-18103/100097524


About Me and Contact 
Follow me on Twitter
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel HyperGauge
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Outdoor-1 


Thursday, January 10, 2019

California closure of the recreational red abalone fishery until April 1, 2021

Just read a news that California red abalone sport fishing will be closed until April 1st 2021, and if the conditional does not improve it may close even longer. This is depressing.... I hope I will not become too old to dive when the fishery finally open. Guys, we need to protract our environment and conserve the resources.
CA Fish and Game Commission Extends Recreational Red Abalone Fishery Closure to 2014
Fish and Game Commission Extends Recreational Red Abalone Fishery Closure to 2021


Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Teaching my son Raspberry Pi and Scratch programming and some basic electronic.


My son's first Raspberry Pi car.
Programming is done with Scratch. Remote login to control the car.
Car chassis and motor is donated from a broken remote control car.
The wheels are from Lego
The big round object in the front is a battery pack/hand warmer.
He did the programming himself. I helped with the wiring and mounting of the hardware. It was a lot of fun. It is a great excises for young kid to learn about all the hardware and software stuff. We put everything together in one afternoon.




Unexpected large Abalone found and lot of kelp crabs in tide pool. Surprisingly close to San Francisco

Unexpected large Abalone found and lot of kelp crabsin tide pool. Surprisingly close to San Francisco.
A rare winter nice day with negative tide, perfect day to take the kids and family for a tide pool adventure. There are so much to see during negative tide. What a surprised to find this large red abalone so close to shore. This is the first time we saw a big abalone this close to San Francisco. It’s great to see the population coming back slowly. California Abalone is a precious resource for sport fisherman. CA abalone in most place is in decline due to starvation conditions. The harvest season is currently closed for entire state until further notice. If you are in the area, please observe only, DO NOT disturb the creature! Thank you and enjoy the video.

Some interesting note about Red Abalone (various sources from the net)

  1. The scientific name for our red abalone in west cost is Haliotis rufescens
  2. The abalone shell was used as currency for many native Indian tribes 
  3. World Record Red Abalone is measured 12.32″, it is collected by John Pepper in 1993
  4. Tagging studies indicate northern California red abalone take about 12 years to reach 7 inches but growth rates are highly variable. Abalone grow nearly one inch per year for the first few years and much slower after that. It takes about 5 years for red abalone to grow from 7 inches to 8 inches.
  5. Red abalone sometimes occur intertidally, but are more common subtidally. Most California abalones mature at between 3 and 7 years of age and may live for 35 to 54 years (Haaker et al., 1986).


My all around fishing rod when I go to the ocean. This is the newer model Okuma SST Graphite Carbon Grip Fishing Rods: https://amzn.to/2MCHVt1
My favorite Spinning reels https://amzn.to/2C8Z05O  
My favorite ABU reel:  https://amzn.to/2MwT3GR
Swimbait I always like: Big Hammer Swimbait: https://amzn.to/2N2mbGi



Tuesday, January 8, 2019

RO faucet drip leak repair DIY. How to completely dissemble and clean up


Our Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking faucet has developed this slow dripping leaks. The problem is getting worst gradually. This video is about how I dissemble the faucet for a complete clean up and repair. It is not a difficult job just need to be careful and use little tricks here and there. I am happy I got it fixed.

Things to note.

  1. The cold water supply line to the RO system must be shut off first before taking the faucet apart.
  2. The water holding tank line to the faucet need to be shut off or the water inside the tank will need to be empty before dissemble the faucet. 
  3. The contact surfaces of the ceramic valve plates must be cleaned, free of any debris and smooth to touch. It will cause leaks if it is not in perfect condition. 
  4. It is a better idea to use a strip wrench to help dissemble the the faucet to avoid damage the finishes. Using the tape and a plier is really the last resource. 
  5. Sometime the problem appears fix at first and come back a few days later, then the problem could be an old filter that is broken and you must replace and clean the system completely. I have seems a RO membrane is actually not doing the filtering and the carbon particle from filter just get through the system. 
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
Similar RO Faucet: https://amzn.to/2CVmY6d

Tools used
Phillips Screwdriver: https://amzn.to/2RCe6KN
Tiny flathead screwdriver: https://amzn.to/2CVsqG5
Tongue and Groove Joint Plier: https://amzn.to/2RgLO9a




Monday, January 7, 2019

About Me & Contact

Ready to launch my little boat 

歡迎 Welcome to my world of DIY and interests. I have endless curiosity since I was a kid. I always like to hand on approach to all my projects. After graduated from UCSB with an Electrical Engineering Degree, I moved to the Bay Area and working in the engineering field for the last 30 years. Although high tech is my profession, I love wood working and construction. Building the cabin in my backyard all by myself is the biggest project I built so far. It gave me a lot of confidences and satisfaction. I also enjoy a lot of outdoor activities especially fishing. I enjoy fishing since my dad taught me when I was a little kid. For the last few years, I have been fishing up and down California. Fishing is the art of a life time. There are still much to learn about fishing for me, and I am happy to share what I know with you. 
  
I hope you will enjoy my short videos and articles for various subjects. It's my goal to help provide the useful information to your project while entertaining. Please leave me comments, follow me in Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube channels. Your support is always appreciated. 

Thank you. 

Eric

Supporting and sponsoring my works:

Thank you for all the support and suggestions that I have received from many readers and subscribers. I take all your advises by heart. I  promised I will work my heart out to provide positive and interesting contents for you. 

Ways to help support me with no cost to you.
1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Follow me on Instagram
3. Subscribe to my YouTube channels. Hypergauge and Outdoor-1. Like and share my videos. 
4. Thanks to the sponsorship from Amazon. Any purchase you made with the Amazon links/banners from my sites and YouTube videos, Amazon will pay commission to me. There is no extra cost to you, and you enjoy the same great prices and services from Amazon
5. Adsense banner ads posting in the current site.  
6. I am accepting corporate sponsorship related to my works. Please contact me for detail. 


Contact and web info:


Email: hypergauge@gmail.com 
Website: https://www.hypergauge.com 
YouTube DIY Channels: https://www.youtube.com/hypergaugediy 
YouTube Fishing Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9pUaO-QYjCc_navU97wKFg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hypergauge1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypergauge/ 

About the domain name hypergauge.com 

Hypergauge.com is created in 2002 by me. The original purpose for the site is dedicated to performance reviews for various subjects and products. And so is the name hyper gauge come to life. It implies intensively measuring the performance. Back in web 1.0 day the name is total made up out of thin air. As life moved on and I was busy building my life and raising a family, the website and domain name has been neglected for good 10 something years. Funny how things changed and a recent search for the term hypergauge comes up with a lot of subjects related to Japanese video games combo attack moves. WT… Anyway, now I back to basic and really just use this website to document and share some of my skills and interests. If you are stumbled here while looking for the badass combo attacks, well Welcome. When you are ready, you should consider some real outdoor activities and DIY. Feel free to contact me and I am more than happy to take you out.





Sunday, January 6, 2019

Dislocated my finger. Not a good way to start the year.


Just came back from ER. My index finger is dislocated in a freaky accident. Maybe I am just too tired.... This is going to make keeping up with my schedule a little bit difficult. %-|


Finally finish upload all the current YouTube video info into the site



Finally finished input all my YouTube video info into the new site. I am burned out but feeling very happy. There are other tasks need to be completed and more videos need to be made. Please stay tuned, more new contents coming up soon. I will also provide regular update to my projects here. Hmm... maybe I should setup a Twitter account to announce major update. That should be a good idea. 

Bike cargo rack installation Compare two different mounting styles Tips picking the right rack

Bike cargo rack installation Compare two different mounting styles Tips picking the right rack
Time to install a bike rack for my wife's bike. In this video I also comparing the two different cargo racks for different mounting styles. Also showing you the installation process with tips on how to pick a right cargo rack for your bike.

Find the right cargo rack here: https://amzn.to/2SzaerE
This is the similar cargo rack I have installed https://amzn.to/2CTcFQq


Demolishing the deck with simple tools by myself

Demolishing the deck with simple tools by myself
I traveled down to South Cal to demolish an old and damaged wooden deck for my sister. The whole process is completed by myself with some simple tools. This is the first time I demolished a deck. It is a lot of hard works and planning. Very good experiences.

Tools used ----
Hammer: Any good 16oz is good should be good. https://amzn.to/2pfEWZw
Ply bar: This is a similar one https://amzn.to/2OxkzlC or should consider a longer one  https://amzn.to/2QGdksT
Receptacle saw: https://amzn.to/2xUUbMh should have gotten a cordless model like this one https://amzn.to/2NO6fIj  Make your life a little bit easier without breaking the bank.
Drill https://amzn.to/2QB7Fnd  and impact driver https://amzn.to/2RDzPiv
Aluminum Stepladder https://amzn.to/2A077l9


Orbit sprinkler timer broken valve repair replace DIY, quick and simple

Orbit sprinkler timer broken valve repair  replace DIY, quick and simple.
Drip irrigation system can really save a lot of water and I have four Orbit sprinkler timers in my back yard. Somehow this is the only one that has the valve cracked after little over one year of use. This video is how I replaced and repaired the broken part

Orbit Sprinkler timer https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_id=114&ipn=icep&toolid=20004&campid=5338371560&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FOrbit-1-Outlet-Programmable-Water-Timer-Hose-Faucet-Sprinkler-F%2F192529205240%3Fepid%3D1176116994%26hash%3Ditem2cd3a287f8%3Ag%3AdAAAAOSwPcVVry1G
Amazon market for sprinkler timer https://amzn.to/2zsWE1y

Tools used:
BLACK & DECKER RTX-6 2 Rotary Tool https://amzn.to/2OPj4iF
Rotary Tool Accessory Kit with sanding bits https://amzn.to/2QVXAC6
Hand saw https://amzn.to/2xQ4PTD
PVC cement  https://amzn.to/2N26f2L or  https://amzn.to/2Dv2HGW

Parts used
1/2" to 3/4" PVC male
PVC Hose Swivel  3/4” x 3/4”




Quick review of the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 18 Gauge & 16 Gauge nailer

Quick review of the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 18 Gauge & 16 Gauge nailer
My opinion and experience of the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 18 Gauge & 16 Gauge nailer. Pro and con. Find out if this is the right nailer for the job.
CENTRAL PENUMATIC 18 Gauge 2-in-1 Air Nailer/Stapler https://amzn.to/2RwqIDf
CENTRAL PENUMATIC 16 Gauge Finish Air Nailer https://amzn.to/2SEwekF
16 gauge nail that works great for me. https://amzn.to/2pe3phH (Note:I have since switched to this 18gauge nail now. https://amzn.to/2pdKh3p )


Tips + Tricks launching AL floor inflatable boat with the DIY transom launching wheels.

Tips + Tricks launching AL floor inflatable boat with the DIY transom launching wheels.
Most people buy inflatable boat because it is compact, convenience, and relatively safe. But setting up the inflatable boat is not always fun and easy as most owner can tell you. It is even harder to install if you have the AL hard floor type. I have owned this inflatable boat for a few years now. I like AL hard floor boat because when I am fishing I can always standing up on the boat, and the AL hard floor feels much safer than the inflatable floor(soft floor). However, AL floor is well known for extremely difficult to install especially in launch area under pressure by other boater, your family and friends.

So in this video I am showing you how I launch my inflatable boat. I will share with you the tricks and tips how I always do it. In most case I can launch or pack everything in about 10+ minutes.
I also recently added a DIY Launching wheels to the boat and now my system is completed.

Updated: This is the video for how to make the DIY launching wheels

Video:  https://youtu.be/k1NPm-znLVNow,
Blog: https://www.hypergauge.com/2019/01/diy-boat-launching-wheel-my-build.html

P.S. I only DIY the launching wheels as I have most material available. You may consider just buy a kit instead. https://amzn.to/2NeYR8t
The D rings that I have installed on the Al floor https://amzn.to/2MKbNnr
This is the air pump to inflate the boat https://amzn.to/2vTigSr
The 12v SLA battery that I use with the pump https://amzn.to/2nKgSwT
Can’t go wrong with the Minn Kota Endura trolling motor https://amzn.to/2wJ87aI mine is over 10years old
I am using this 12v deep cycle battery for my trolling motor now. https://amzn.to/2OJlFtY
This is the very similar boat I have https://amzn.to/2vM2glh


Battery box modbuild how to, USB+cigarette Lighter+voltmeter+switch added. wiring diagram reference.

Battery box modbuild how to, USB+cigarette Lighter+voltmeter+switch added. wiring diagram reference.
Decided to make my trolling motor battery more useful and functionally complete. Let’s build it up to add USB charge port, cigarette lighter socket, voltmeter, switch and a fish finder/GPS power port. I also included a electrical wiring diagram in case you are interested to build one.

Some reference info as below
Material and tools list
The 4in 1 ports and switch from eBay https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_id=114&ipn=icep&toolid=20004&campid=5338371560&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F4-in-1-Waterproof-Car-Dual-USB-Charger-Port-Voltmeter-Cigarette-Lighter-12V%2F292480398080
The battery box is from Walmart size 24 to 31 type.  Here are the links to get them from Amazon seems more convenience. https://amzn.to/2ws3BOj
USB, switches and ports:  https://amzn.to/2wuohVX

My inflatable boat setup:
This is the pump I use to pump up the boat https://amzn.to/2vTigSr
The 12v SLA battery that I use with the pump https://amzn.to/2nKgSwT
My small 12v trolling motor https://amzn.to/2vM2Waj
The Walmart battery is dead, and I am using this 12v deep cycle battery for my trolling motor now. https://amzn.to/2OJlFtY
This is the very similar boat I have https://amzn.to/2vM2glh




Harbor Freight Miter Saw easy latch repair how to –no glue, no weld turn table repair

Harbor Freight Miter Saw easy latch repair how to –no glue, no weld turn table repair
Simple DIY fix for the Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 10” sliding compound miter saw turn table latch. Let’s build a simple and reliable mechanism to replace the broken plastic latch lever for this Harbor Freight Chicago Electric miter saw.
The only tools used for this repair is: https://amzn.to/2MxYJAw
If you like to know which miter saw I will consider instead of the HF. Well, 10" is still my choice, but sliding is not that important and this is a nice one with reasonable price. https://amzn.to/2wPloP9



Saturday, January 5, 2019

Easy DIY boat number on to the boat. Step by Step how to and tricks.

Easy DIY boat number on to the boat. Step by Step how to and tricks.
Finally got the boat CF number! Here is  how to use the stencil and step by step process to print the CF number on to my inflatable.
3 inch stencil https://amzn.to/2vTSEEW
This is the spay paint used https://amzn.to/2OK64dM
My inflatable boat setup:
This is the pump I use to pump up the boat https://amzn.to/2vTigSr
The 12v SLA battery that I use with the pump https://amzn.to/2nKgSwT
Can’t go wrong with the Minn Kota Endura trolling motor https://amzn.to/2wJ87aI mine is over 10years old
The Walmart battery is dead, and I am using this 12v deep cycle battery for my trolling motor now. https://amzn.to/2OJlFtY
This is the very similar boat I have https://amzn.to/2vM2glh


Testing the Kwik Tek AIRHEAD High Pressure Air Pump 12 Volt

Testing the Kwik Tek AIRHEAD High Pressure Air Pump 12 Volt
I am testing the Kwik Tek AIRHEAD High Pressure Air Pump 12 Volt to pump up my 9.5’ inflatable boat.
This is the pump I tested I like this little pump https://amzn.to/2vTigSr
The 12v SLA battery that I use with the pump https://amzn.to/2nKgSwT
Can’t go wrong with the Minn Kota Endura trolling motor https://amzn.to/2wJ87aI Mine is over 10years old
The Walmart battery is dead, and I am using this 12v deep cycle battery for my trolling motor now. https://amzn.to/2OJlFtY
This is the very similar boat I have https://amzn.to/2vM2glh


Rock fishing spot near Bean Hollow Highway 1. Lots of nice spots.

Rock fishing spot near Bean Hollow Highway 1. Lots of nice spots.
Working near Half Moon bay this week, so took the morning off for a quick fix for my fishing addiction. Let’s check out Bean Hollow today. Lot of good spots there. Definitely be back for more.
My all around fishing rod when I go to the ocean. This is the newer model Okuma SST Graphite Carbon Grip Fishing Rods: https://amzn.to/2MCHVt1
My favorite ABU reel:  https://amzn.to/2MwT3GR
Swimbait I always like: Big Hammer Swimbait: https://amzn.to/2N2mbGi


Rock fishing spot near Pigeon Point Highway 1. Got my first Cabazon of the year

Rock fishing spot near Pigeon Point Highway 1. Got my first Cabazon of the year
Finally have a day off. Decided to check around the Highway 1 for any rock fishing spot.

This is a well known fishing spot right off Pigeon Point light house. My estimate is about one/two miles north of Año Nuevo State Marine Reserve (as of 2019-02). So this spot is not breaking any law.
Note: This is a spot that I have encountered many game wardens. They are mainly just doing a well check on me, making sure if I am aware of the tide, need any help, and if I see anything suspicious. I am always happy to meet with them as they are always professional and chatty. I can learn a lot of good info from them and look for my next spot. If you are boat fishing, they are watching mostly on the boater that accidentally drifted into the protected area and fishing out of season. Be safe out there as the current in that area is fast.


My all around fishing rod when I go to the ocean. This is the newer model Okuma SST Graphite Carbon Grip Fishing Rods: https://amzn.to/2MCHVt1
My favorite ABU reel:  https://amzn.to/2MwT3GR
Swimbait I always like: Big Hammer Swimbait: https://amzn.to/2N2mbGi
I use both Carolina rig and high low rig for rock fishing. Sinker is usually 2 or 3OZ with 2/0 or bigger hook. I also try fishing with a float sometime, but mostly getting perches.