Mysterious Reset Revived!

[T.Jackson]

<img src="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1632&stc=1&d=117923716 3" align="right">
I'd probably be inclined to use OPTO Couplers if I had a problem like this. In essence, an OPTO provides total electrical isolation between the control and switching circuit by using light to bias a zero gain internal transistor inside the OPTO. These devices are typically well insulated - not uncommon for a dielectric strength of 5KV or more!

Sample pictured far right shows everything you need to safely switch a relay using an OPTO. As a general rule of thumb - you need to bias the internal LED with about 10 x the current that you require its internal transistor to switch. But in the case of the sample shown, the work around is to use an additional external transistor to beef things up. If you follow the formula for calculating R1, then Q1 will be happy to switch about 0.001 x Q1's ßeta value. Q1's ßeta could range anywhere between 100 - 1000 depending on the type of transistor you implement. The circuit is quite orthodox.

You'll be very hard pressed getting an OPTO to respond to any noise or surrounding electrical interferences. OPTO's are cheap, come in a standard 6 pin DIL package, and most importantly they're easily implemented.
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[JoelMurphy]

hi,

i have some details of the conveyor system that i'm operating.
first the fun stuff:
go here for pictures and video http://solutions.joelmurphy.net
click on Phoebe Washburn to get there.
NOTE! the picture of the circuit is OLD. i've replaced the mechanical relays with I/O modules [5VDC in : 5A 28-280VAC out], fitted nicely with ZeroCross and RC snubber circuitry. here's the Mouser part number 655-OACM-5H.

The PIC16F88 outputs that activate the I/O modules go 'through' a Darlington IC [ULN2004A], which is outfitted with snubber diodes, and can handle more than enough amps per pair. some of the PIC outputs that i will connect to I/O modules in the future will run through a SIPO before they get to the Darlington.
Got me?

.pbp code is zipped at the bottom.

before y'all get started... i know it's a bit of a rats nest, and i think that might have something to do with my problem. i am an artist, not an EE.

also to clarify: the I/O modules output 110VAC to solid state relays [90-280VAC in, 5A 48-660VAC out] the 110VAC is pulled from the AC input to the PowerSupply. PowerSupply is at the bottom of the circuit photo for your visref.

i'm thinking about how to lace some WRITE/READ code into my program. the PIC16F88 has a whole bunch of EEPROM

thanks for the help,
go easy, huh?

joel