Driving a 180ma relay from PIC port

[Pic_User]

PS ... once more: a scheme IS necessary to the troubleshooting !!!

Hi Michael,

I agree that a schematic can say 1000 words (in all languages too!).

Eight volts input for five volts out, is cutting it close. The relay is probably pulling the (regulator input) voltage below “drop-out” level, during the valleys, in the ripple, of your supply. Causing the PIC to reset.

Yes, the transistor should hold the relay on.

Just take the base resistor off the PIC pin and connect it to the 5 volt supply. This will tell you if the transistor can do the job...

-Adam-