Good points, Roman. Of course, I am always learning, and your experience is
helpful - that's the kind of depth in understanding that's needed for a
product to perform well because it's been well designed, not because all the
coins landed on heads that day. Yes, I have spent more than the usual time
with the handful of opto part numbers I have come to rely on, but there's
always more to learn. In the past I have tried a number of designs with
opto's that have failed before understanding many details. I think the point
is that opto's are at times the method of choice while at other times not.
Decisions like this can't be properly made without much application
information.

Admittedly, I've also become a bit obsessive about checking pins for things
with my new Bitscope - things I was unable to see with my old scope before,
like what happens during and following that dv/dt event from the perspective
of the MR pin. I have a feeling that, for me, this tool will change many
things for the better. At the least, it has me realizing the need not to
make snap judgements regarding hows, whys & parts. For example, I intend to
play with Sean Alcorn's book circuit because now I can watch any effects on
the PIC carefully before declaring it a good design. I'm already thinking
about load inductance......

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