Thanks e. That's perfect. That's exactly the way I've got it in my schematic. I'm using a 2k resistor for the base, and a 20k for the bridge to Vcc (I read "use 10x the amount") on another site.

I'm still don't totally understand exactly what's happening or why I need the bridge to Vcc, but I see it in every example I look at so it's in there.


Anyway, using that example, there should be no way for the Pic to continue to sink current and open the transistor when it is in reset - correct? Or should I switch that pin to an input programatically before allowing the Pic to go into reset?

Part of the output of that transistor is what will hold MCLR high, so that's the main reason I want to make sure once it's off it stays off. I've got a tact switch that jumps over all of this via a diode to boot up the Pic.

Thanks again... I think I'm on the right track anyway.