Well, I HAVE a load-resistor between +5V and GND (10K Ohm)  But it's kind
of slow to power all the way down still!  I'm afraid to go to a lower value
because everything runs through a +5VDC regulator (MAX is probably .5A).
If I do the Maxim thing, do you think that should be the end of it?  I
don't like the idea of my power not dropping to 0 even if my processor
resets!

>
> You could use a reset device by Maxim to force the CPU to stay in a
> reset state if the applied voltage is low. That would be the most
reliable
> solution - I think there are some very small surface mount devices that
> can do this. This will also ensure that the next power up reset is clean.
>
> Is the PIC device you are using specified to operate at lower voltages,
if
> so then detect this with a spare I/O pin and make it do nothing etc.
>
> Its not practical to change a device design and a GND short could cause
all
> sorts of problems.
>
> Have you tried something as simple as a pulldown resistor on your PIC
voltage
> pin ? You might not need a small value if the voltage is close to that at
> which the device will not run at all.
>
> Just how much current is there anyway to allow your PIC to operate when
> the power is off ?
>
> Rgds
>
> Mike
> Perth, Western Australia
>
> Some say there is no magic but, all things begin with thought then it
becomes
> academic, then some poor slob works out a practical way to implement all
that
> theory, this is called Engineering - for most people another form of
magic.
>
Massen