Maker Faire Bay Area 2009

Home Chip Lab

Stage A , Saturday 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM As a curious, creative and misunderstood child with a passion for science Jeri found herself an outcast amongst with her peers. With little appreciation for her talents she turned to high tech pranks, skipping school and taking her own path in life. Against the advice of her family and friends she drops out of school to become a successful race car driver. This was the beginning of a long and twisty path to becoming a self-taught electrical engineer and designing the highly acclaimed Commodore C64 30-in-1 Joystick.

Many have considered making transistors or solar cells at home either too complicated or expensive, but this didn't stop Jeri Ellsworth. She spent 3 years researching and working with mentors who pioneered silicon process in the 70's and devised a way that anyone can do this with safe over the counter chemicals and an inexpensive table top pottery kiln.

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Project photo.

About the Maker(s)

Jeri Ellsworth

Jeri Ellsworth is a self-taught computer chip designer. She is best known for creating Commodore 30-in-1 Direct to TV. Her hobbies include pinball machines, roller derby and improv comedy. Jeri currently makes her home in Oregon, and works as a engineering consultant.

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