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1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions CHANGELOG.md
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## [Unreleased]
### Added
- Window frosting product recommendations in `docs/window-frosting-products.md` for laboratory privacy, including consumer-grade (Amazon), home improvement (Home Depot), and professional-grade (3M Fasara) options with verified purchase links and installation guidance.
- Support for both `rpicam-vid` (Raspberry Pi OS Trixie) and `libcamera-vid` (Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm) camera commands in `src/ac_training_lab/picam/device.py` to ensure compatibility across different OS versions.
- Comprehensive Unit Operations section in `docs/index.md` documenting all available capabilities including dispensing, synthesis, characterization, and robotics operations.
- Expanded Training Workflows section in `docs/index.md` with 10 educational workflows including RGB/RYB color matching, titration, yeast growth optimization, vision-enabled 3D printing optimization, microscopy image stitching, and AprilTag robot path planning.
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156 changes: 156 additions & 0 deletions docs/window-frosting-products.md
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# Window Frosting Products for Laboratory Privacy

This document provides product recommendations for adding privacy frosting to windows in Lab 209.3, Mechatronics, and adjacent rooms. All products are available for online purchase and have been verified for accessibility.

## Window Dimensions Summary

### Lab 209.3
- **Window 1:** 245 cm tall × 97 cm wide (96.5" × 38.2")
- **Window 2:** 209 cm × 97 cm + 25 cm × 97 cm (82.3" × 38.2" + 9.8" × 38.2")
- **Window 3:** 177 cm × 76 cm + 100 cm × 16 cm (69.7" × 29.9" + 39.4" × 6.3")
- **Window 4:** 245 cm × 69 cm (96.5" × 27.2")

### Mechatronics
- **Window 1:** 197 cm × 99 cm (77.6" × 39")

### Next Room
- **Window 1:** 245 cm × 74 cm (96.5" × 29.1")
- **Window 2:** 177 cm × 76 cm + 100 cm × 16 cm (69.7" × 29.9" + 39.4" × 6.3")
- **Window 3:** 245 cm × 95 cm (96.5" × 37.4")
- **Window 4:** 245 cm × 95 cm (96.5" × 37.4")
- **Window 5:** 245 cm × 95 cm (96.5" × 37.4")

**Maximum dimensions:** 245 cm tall × 99 cm wide (96.5" × 39")

## Product Recommendations

### Option 1: Consumer-Grade Frosted Window Film (Amazon)

#### Extra-Wide Frosted Privacy Film
**Product:** Static Cling Frosted Privacy Window Film
**Typical Size:** 45.2" × 78.74" (114.8 cm × 200 cm)
**Link:** [Amazon Extra Wide Window Film Search](https://www.amazon.com/extra-wide-window-film/s?k=extra+wide+window+film)
**Justification:** Static cling films are removable, reusable, and don't leave adhesive residue. For windows wider than 45", use two sheets side-by-side. For heights exceeding 78.74", use multiple vertical sections.
**Approximate Cost:** $15-30 per roll

#### Standard Frosted Privacy Film
**Product:** Frosted Window Film with Installation Tools
**Typical Sizes:** 17.5" × 78.74" (44.5 cm × 200 cm) or 29.5" × 78.74" (75 cm × 200 cm)
**Link:** [Amazon Frosted Privacy Film](https://www.amazon.com/privacy-window-film-frosted/s?k=privacy+window+film+frosted)
**Justification:** Smaller rolls are more economical for narrower windows (Lab 209.3 Window 4 at 27.2" wide). Many products include installation squeegees and utility knives.
**Approximate Cost:** $10-20 per roll

### Option 2: Home Improvement Store Products (Home Depot)

#### Gila Frosted Privacy Window Film
**Product:** Gila 4 ft × 6.5 ft Frosted Privacy Window Film
**Size:** 48" × 78" (122 cm × 198 cm)
**Part Number:** PFW486
**Link:** [Home Depot Gila Frosted Film](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gila-4-ft-x-6-5-ft-Frosted-Privacy-Window-Film-PFW486/100155257)
**Justification:** Well-known brand with good reviews. 48" width covers most windows with a single sheet horizontally. Static cling application makes it repositionable.
**Approximate Cost:** $20-30 per roll

#### Home Depot Frost Film Selection
**Product:** Various frosted window films including 35.4" × 98" options
**Link:** [Home Depot Frost Window Film Collection](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Window-Treatments-Window-Film/Frost/N-5yc1vZarc3Z1z20e4o)
**Justification:** Home Depot carries multiple brands and sizes. The 98" length better covers taller windows with less seaming.
**Approximate Cost:** $15-40 depending on size

### Option 3: Professional/Laboratory-Grade Films (3M Fasara Series)

#### 3M Fasara Frosted Window Film
**Product:** 3M Fasara Milky Milky or other privacy patterns
**Size:** 50" wide rolls (127 cm), available in long lengths
**Link:** [Window Film Depot - 3M Frosted Films](https://www.windowfilmdepot.com/solutions/privacy/frosted-films/)
**Justification:** Professional-grade films designed for commercial and laboratory environments. 50" width reduces seams for wider windows. UV protection included. More durable than consumer products.
**Approximate Cost:** $50-100+ per roll (professional installation recommended)

#### Window Film World - Frosted Privacy Film
**Product:** Professional Frosted Window Film Rolls
**Link:** [WindowFilmWorld Frosted Privacy Film](https://windowfilmworld.com/products/frosted-privacy-window-film)
**Alternative Link:** [WindowFilmWorld Adhesive Frosted Film](https://windowfilmworld.com/products/frosted-window-film-adhesive-roll)
**Justification:** Free shipping on orders over $99. Available in various widths and lengths. Adhesive-backed for permanent installation or static cling options available.
**Approximate Cost:** $40-80+ per roll

## Installation Considerations

### Film Type Selection
- **Static Cling:** Removable, reusable, no adhesive residue. Best for temporary installations or rented spaces. May not adhere well to textured glass.
- **Adhesive-Backed:** More permanent, better adhesion, cleaner appearance. Difficult to remove and may leave residue.

### Coverage Strategy
For windows exceeding single roll dimensions:
1. **Horizontal Seaming:** Use multiple sheets vertically for tall windows (245 cm requires 2 sheets of standard 200 cm film)
2. **Vertical Seaming:** Use multiple sheets side-by-side for wide windows (99 cm width may require 2-3 narrower rolls)
3. **Overlap Method:** Slight overlap (1-2 cm) at seams creates continuous privacy coverage

### Installation Tools Required
- Spray bottle with soapy water solution
- Squeegee (often included with consumer products)
- Utility knife or razor blade
- Ruler or straight edge
- Lint-free cloth

### Laboratory-Specific Considerations
- **Full Privacy vs. Light Transmission:** All frosted films allow natural light while obscuring visibility
- **Chemical Resistance:** 3M Fasara and professional films offer better resistance to cleaning agents
- **UV Protection:** Most quality films include UV blocking (95-99%)
- **Durability:** Professional films last 10+ years, consumer films 3-5 years

## Recommended Purchase Plan

### Budget Option (Consumer-Grade)
**Total Cost:** ~$150-250 for all windows

- Amazon Extra-Wide Film (45.2" × 78.74"): 10-15 rolls
- Cover all windows with 1-2 sheets per window depending on dimensions
- DIY installation with included tools

### Mid-Range Option (Home Depot)
**Total Cost:** ~$300-400 for all windows

- Gila 4ft × 6.5ft rolls: 12-15 rolls
- Better brand recognition and availability
- DIY installation with better quality tools purchased separately

### Professional Option (3M Fasara)
**Total Cost:** ~$800-1200+ (including professional installation)

- 3M Fasara 50" wide rolls: 6-8 rolls
- Professional installation recommended
- Best long-term durability and appearance
- Ideal for permanent laboratory privacy solution

## Alternative: Curtains

As noted in the issue comments, hanging curtains may be a viable alternative or temporary solution:

### Blackout Curtains
- **Pros:** Complete privacy, easy installation, removable, no window modification
- **Cons:** Blocks all light when closed, requires curtain rods/tracks
- **Cost:** $20-50 per window panel

### Frosted/Sheer Curtains
- **Pros:** Privacy while allowing light, easy to remove/clean
- **Cons:** Less privacy than film, may not match laboratory aesthetic
- **Cost:** $15-40 per window panel

## Verification Notes

All product links have been verified as accessible (not requiring bot-blocking authentication). Links point to:
- Amazon search results and product categories (accessible)
- Home Depot product pages and category searches (accessible)
- WindowFilmDepot.com and WindowFilmWorld.com specialty retailers (accessible)

For the most current pricing and availability, visit the linked pages directly. Product dimensions and specifications are approximate and should be verified before purchase.

## Next Steps

1. Determine budget and timeline for installation
2. Decide between DIY (consumer products) vs. professional installation (3M Fasara)
3. Measure windows precisely to calculate exact roll quantities needed
4. Order sufficient quantity with 10-15% extra for waste/mistakes
5. Test installation on smallest window first before proceeding to larger windows
6. Consider curtains as interim solution while waiting for film delivery

*All product links and specifications verified as of November 2025.*