DC electronic load - it works at 1 amp - any higher it fails (PIC cant drive the base).. no noise - PS can handle 20 amps.. The base of the npn must be sinking too much current for the PIC pin to drive at first. Whats strange is if I disconnect the load the PIC pin drives it ok, add the load and it keeps working. Power cycle PIC and it wont turn on the load again unitl I disconnect load and connect again.