I have done some research and reading (on CCSinfo forums...the company that makes the compiler that was used for the programming) into what my problem could be. It appears like there may be "noise"/EMI/interference (whatever the correct term is) that is causing the relays to latch. I built a tester board, that verifies the findings (I replaced the relays with LEDS), and they didnt stay on (latch) like it did with the Relays.

So my conclusion is, is that the hardware is the problem, and not the software. So I will start from that direction now

 

I think this probably be started as a new thread, but I would like to keep it together. Therefore I will continue it here.

I am referring to the PDF a few post back. Components L1 to L8 we have in those spots ZNR Transient Surge Absorbers by Panasonic.

http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-cgi/jvcr13pz.cgi?E+PZ+3+AWA0002+ERZV07D391+8+WW

The motors are 120 volts.

Are these the right Surge Absorbers, or should I get a Shock Absorber that is closer to the voltage for the motor?

What is the difference between a capacitor and a Surge Absorber.

And I am reading about a Transient Voltage Suppression Diode. What are the pros and cons between this Supression Diode and a Surge Supressor/Absorber. Is one used/or better suited for certain situations than the other.

 

Dear Beeson,
The board file helps no one. Try to upload a schematic....
Apart from this, it is quite easy to drive a shift register. Look for 74HC595. It's like yours but only sinks/sources less current on the parallel outputs. The logic behind it is that you should hook 3 pins. The clock pin, the storage register pin and the data pin.
From your Pic, send pulses in the clock pin and data , bit by bit, in the data pin. When all 8 bits have been fed in the shift register then you pulse the store reg pin to move them in the parallel port.
I've done this many times in asm to drive an LCD or 7-seg displays. I can guide you if you want to go for it but only in asm. Sorry i am not familiar with C.