using a 555 timer to suspend

this will only apply to ATX boards with APCI (or is it ACPI?) compatible power buttons.

ok, so i remember somewhere seeing an option--either in windows or in my BIOS--to have the computer go to SUSPEND when the power button is pushed breifly (less than 5 sec.)

maybe I could set up a 555 timer IC so that when the ignition is turned off, the power button is "pressed" for about 1 sec, thus putting the computer in suspend mode. can we say instant boot?

ok, now i know ive made it sound a whole lot simpler than it actually is, but this could work. it could also work to shutdown, too. basically the idea is that the "trigger" on the 555 is held (by a relay) until the car turns off, at which point the trigger is released and the 555 oscillates--with the correct values for R and C--for about 1 second. as long as the button isnt held down for more than 5 sec the power will stay on, but in suspend. this really isnt a question, but more of a "hey, what if.."

Not sure, sounds cool.
I want to do that with an AT box. I'm running mpxplay in dos and I would have to find a dos power managment utility. I can't set the timeout in the bios because it will time out in the middle of playing music. What I want to do is write a tsr basic program that will interface the parrelel port to suspend and unsuspend the system and maby some other cool stuff.
Any Ideas?

with an AT box it would be even easier. My ATX design is going to have to have all kinds of relays and MacGuyvering skills. I'll probably post plans in a coupla days.

oh yeah, and you wont lose a data port. this interfaces with the power switch.

I may be wrong, but Im pretty sure suspend stores your settings in RAM. Which means, your computer needs constant power. If you kill power to the computer, you'll lose all your settings. Maybe I missed something, but unless you have a special battery especially for the computer, I don't think this will work.

I think you misunderstand. I am reconfiguring the power switch to act as a suspend button. The computer will be wired directly to the battery and thus will have constant power (although I dont know if the inverter will get enough power during starting due to the starter's massive drain on the battery. This may have been what you were referring to. if that is the case, then yes, I will need a seperate battery--but I've wanted to do that for years. this gives me an excuse)

If your planning on using a seperate battery then you might want to use an isolater like would be used in a motor home. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but i think that this little device will keep your car from drawing power from the second battery thus it wouldnt affect your computer. Altho this may also keep your second battery from getting power from the car in which case the battery would never get charged....but I don't think they work that way....so anyways you might want to check that out as an option.

Catlas

yeah, that is what I was planning. an isolator hooks up to your alternator and charges your second battery. The only things that draw from your second battery are the things you hook up to it--in my case that would be the computer, amp, speakers, and maybe a CB radio.

check out my timer.... it's exactly that. You obviously didn't read my post when I made it.
http://bjblaster.mp3car.com and go to the power supply section of the carputer http://www.mp3car.com/ubb/smile.gif

Enjoy