Room Updates - 2019.06
Table of Contents
- Top
- Summary
- Improvement of Issues
- Placement of Clothing Cases (Color Boxes)
- Placement of Small Metal Rack
- Discovered Words to Change Lighting Scenes
- New Improvements
- Installation of Infrared Communication Hub
- Installation of Nintendo Switch
- Installation of Extension Cord
- Installation of Dust Remover
- Purchase of Compression Wear
- Toilet Cleaning
- Challenges
- TV Operation Automation is Unstable
- Tight Coupling of Electronic Devices
- Extension Cord in the Washroom Doesn't Stick
- Previous Challenges
- What to Work on Prioritarily in the Future
- Conclusion
This is the second release note for living environment improvements. I mainly solved the issues that came up last time. There are also various minor modifications.
Here's the first installment:
Room Updates - 2019.05 - Jelly Cuboid
Summary
- Clothes have been organized
- The range of voice operations has expanded
- Zelda is great
- Layout issues and infrared problems are difficult to solve
Improvement of Issues
Placement of Clothing Cases (Color Boxes)
This is a response to the problem of "clothes tending to scatter."
I bought two large color boxes from NITORI, which is more than worth the price, and stacked them in the closet. I put T-shirts and shirts in them respectively, and my belongings fit in nicely, which is a good balance. The rest of the clothes are still in plastic bags, but there's not much quantity, so it seems fine as it is.
By the way, I'm doing the Ranger Roll for T-shirts and pants. It becomes a compact bale shape, and it's fun, so I recommend it.
Placement of Small Metal Rack
This is a response to the problem of "no storage space for documents."
It doesn't need to be hidden, so I bought a small metal rack and placed 100-yen store file boxes on top to organize. I used one of the three tiers, and the remaining two tiers are used to place books and such randomly. It can be bought for around 2,000 yen and doesn't take up much space, so it might be useful to have two more.
Discovered Words to Change Lighting Scenes
I found a solution to the problem of "light control not working well."
Until now, I was trying to use "Alexa, make the living light (Scene name)," but since each lighting scene is recognized as a device, the simple utterance "Alexa, turn the light (Scene name)" worked well to change it. It's quite easy.
New Improvements
Installation of Infrared Communication Hub
I installed a machine that emits infrared. In addition to using a smartphone app as a remote control, it can be operated in conjunction with Alexa. This allows me to call Alexa to turn on the TV or turn on the air conditioner when it gets hot.
There are several types, but I chose the LS Mini (2nd Gen), which is said to be cheap and high-performance.
In addition to general functions, it can use temperature, illuminance, and location information.
When actually using it, being able to turn the TV on/off without a remote control, which is subtly troublesome, feels very convenient.
However, I haven't tried the air conditioner yet (because it's not hot), and I'm only having it operate the TV.
Nevertheless, there are many challenges in automation. I'll discuss this later.
Installation of Nintendo Switch
As I had some budget left from the LINE Pay cashback festival, I impulsively purchased it at the Bic Camera store. Zelda is great.
I'm thinking of buying the next software using the following campaign. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get Nintendo Switch Online free for 1 year with Twitch Prime, which is a good deal (Twitch Prime | Nintendo).
Installation of Extension Cord
There were often conflicts between plugs with strange shapes, starting with Mac, but this was resolved with a convenient tap where the socket rotates.
Moreover, it's an excellent product with 6 outlets + USB.
The price is a bit high, but there's also a stylish version with a wood grain design, so those who prioritize design might want to consider it.
Also, I installed a highly water-resistant tap in the washroom, which only had one socket.
Installation of Dust Remover
As dust accumulates on electronic devices and doesn't clean well even when wiped, I installed a dedicated dust remover.
It's colorful and powerful.
Purchase of Compression Wear
As it's said to increase exercise intensity, I tried compression wear. I'm not sure if there's a noticeable difference when actually playing DDR. It's subjective, so I can't say for sure.
For now, it feels surprisingly cool and slightly less tiring.
Toilet Cleaning
As it's difficult to manage a toilet brush, I installed a product where only the brush part is disposable.
It's an excellent product that's hygienic and good for mental health.
Challenges
TV Operation Automation is Unstable
Automation of operation by infrared smart remote control is very convenient, but on the flip side, it can only do about as much as a remote control can.
It may seem fine at first glance, but the problem in automation is that you need to operate without knowing the current state. When you perform the operation to "activate the air conditioner" while the air conditioner is already on, the air conditioner turns off. It would be fine if operations that ensure idempotency were possible, but many products only have one power button, which is painful.
I can't think of a solution... I'll keep an eye on it for a while.
Tight Coupling of Electronic Devices
There are many electronic devices around the router, and power outlets tend to be insufficient.
PC/PS4/Switch that need to be connected to the TV, and PC/Hue hub that need to be connected to the router are hindering free layout.
I'll reconsider the layout based on the position of the TV and PC.
Extension Cord in the Washroom Doesn't Stick
I tried sticking it to the shelf with double-sided tape, but it falls off immediately.
Plugging in and unplugging the outlet exerts quite a force, so it quickly peels off with gentle double-sided tape.
However, using something stronger could damage the wallpaper, which is difficult to do in a rental.
I'm considering a workaround of attaching a shelf with double-sided tape and placing the extension cord on top of it.
Previous Challenges
- Laptops and books are placed on the floor
- Desk and chair are in the way
- Curtains don't close well
- The hairdryer placement is low
- The refrigerator is noisy
What to Work on Prioritarily in the Future
The layout problem is deep-rooted, but it's worth working on if a good arrangement comes to mind.
It seems that small renovations like increasing metal racks and cleverly placing extension cords will be the main focus.
Conclusion
Deep-rooted challenges have also emerged. I want to increase comfort by accumulating small renovations while tackling big challenges.
