Standalone usage

Hello,

I have the following set up.

I have interfaced the arduino to a count down timer circuit which will start up when a speech recognition circuit outputs a certain code.

The problem I face is that each time I want the timer to start up (i.e. make the arduino begin the program sequence) the arduino has to be connected to the usb port on a computer.

How am I allowed to do a set up such that the arduino will work with out being connected to the usb. By the way, I have flashed the program onto the board successfully. The only problem is that to make the program start counting down the timer I need to be connected to the usb.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Vahe

check the forum... this has been answered many times before