The Neo Timer is a small Microchip PIC based device that is used to control the power cycle sequence to one or two devices in an automotive environment.   The Neo Carplayer is a hard drive based MP3 player that is designed for mobile applications.  Best of all, the Neo Carplayer has had it's firmware turned into an Open Source Project

The Neo uses a standard ATAPI IDE hard drive for storage.  This means that the hard drive is required to run on a power supply that is no where near as stable as in a normal computer case.  Also, a typical installation of a Neo would have it switch on and off with the ignition switch assessory line.  I decided that the Neo deserved a more elegant power up method as I hated to see the Neo flash briefly to life as the key switch was moved from OFF to ON and then to the Start position and back.  

This project provides a small delay interval to be introduced that holds off the power-up of the Neo for an adjustable number of seconds.   It also provides a delay for the power down cycle too. 

Currently, the Neo Timer has a single output signal.   More complex installations sometimes require a staged power-up for multiple devices.  The Neo Timer will allow for two devices to be staged a few seconds apart, so multi-component systems can initialize properly.   This is a common issue if a CDC adapter is used to connect a Neo player to an in-dash head unit.   The CDC/Neo needs to be powered up a few seconds before the head, so it can be recognized properly.

Based on feedback I received on the Open Neo Forum, I decided to build this project in such a way that others could make it.  

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