MTRAS Helps You Learn How to Solder

 

MTRAS
Image: MTRAS.com

Photographer Benjamin “Ben” Perlin is based in Nashville, Tennessee, where he volunteers for several nonprofit organizations in his spare time. Interested in emergent technology, Benjamin Perlin is a longtime member of the Middle Tennessee Robotic Arts Society.

One of the primary functions of the Middle Tennessee Robotic Arts Society is to help members become more proficient in fundamental technologic skills. One of the ways the organization does this is through a video series focused on teaching the basics of soldering — the process of using a material called solder to permanently join one metal to another. This technique is most commonly used to affix materials to circuit boards.

It is important to use solder to join components to the board if one wants a circuit to last for more than a few days. Not only is the soldering material a good adhesive, it is also very conductive and promotes the flow of the electric current between components. Visit mtras.com to see the video series and learn more about the fundamentals of soldering.

Advertisement

Underrated Destinations in the United States

 

International Balloon Fiesta
Image: balloonfiesta.com

A Nashville-based community contributor, Benjamin “Ben” Perlin has spent the past several years capturing film photographs. When he’s not busy taking pictures or volunteering at various organizations, Benjamin Perlin enjoys traveling and he has been to several destinations around the United States.

Some examples of the best underrated destinations in the United States include:

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan. Featuring fantastic views of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island provides a unique vacation experience. Because of a local ordinances, cars and other motor vehicles are not allowed on the island. While this may seem inconvenient, some visitors enjoy spending some time away from drivers.

2. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque features a blend of activities to keep visitors of all types entertained. Film buffs can scout the city–the site of many television and movie productions–for celebrities. Meanwhile, those seeking a more relaxing experience can walk past old-fashioned storefronts or enjoy the city’s annual International Balloon Fiesta.

3. Tacoma, Washington. This industrial, down-to-earth city is often regarded as a more relaxed version of Portland and Seattle. Complete with everything from a vintage car museum to fantastic food places and a craft distillery, Tacoma begs to be explored.

When to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam
Image: travel.usnews.com

Benjamin Perlin divides his time between volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and Tennessee State Veterans’ Home and taking photographs for Ben Perlin Photography. In his free time, Benjamin Perlin loves traveling. He counts Amsterdam among his favorite destinations.

As is the case with many cities in Europe, Amsterdam is particularly popular during the summer. Weather between June and August can be mixed, with brief spurts of heavy rain along with humidity and heat. Still, most days stay sunny, and the average temperatures hover between 66 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the high levels of tourism, attraction lines are often long, and accommodation prices are at their highest.

Tourism begins dying down by September as the temperatures start dropping. Featuring average temperatures in the high 40s to mid-60s, September, October, and November allow visitors to enjoy Amsterdam for a slightly lower price. As the city moves into winter, temperatures drop to about 30 to 40 degrees, and prices drop right along with them. Since there are hardly any tourists willing to brave the cold, visitors can often find great deals.

Spring is another good time to visit Amsterdam, but it is the start of the city’s tourist season. In March through May, the tulip fields around the city start blooming and cover the area with fantastic colors. Consider visiting in April, when temperatures and crowds are moderate, and flowers are in bloom.

Holston Habitat for Humanity Announces New Home Repair Program

 

Home Repair Program
Image: holstonhabitat.org

Benjamin (Ben) Perlin is a traditional film photographer with a passion for capturing scenes that capture his interest and imagination. A volunteer in the Nashville community where he lives, Benjamin Perlin works with Habitat for Humanity and has engaged with the local Restore retail center selling used furnishings and building materials.

Throughout Tennessee, Habitat for Humanity has helped build and rebuild many communities. In Holston, Habitat for Humanity recently launched a dedicated home repair program. The program helps homeowners who are unable to cover the entire expense associated with external repairs such as roof replacement, disability ramp installation, or siding painting.

Though the program, owners of single-family dwellings obtain access to dedicated repair funds, a portion of which is provided as no-interest loans. Applicants from throughout Sullivan, Carter, and Washington Counties on the Tennessee-Virginia border are encouraged to apply with Holston Habitat by the end of November. Following in-person visits to applicants’ residences, a dozen recipients will be selected and repair projects will commence as winter arrives.