1. schottky between GPIO0 and DTR, cathode to DTR
2. pull-up 10k from GPIO0 to 3.3V
3. ceramic cap 100nF between DTR and CH_PD
4. schottky between CH_PD and 3.3V, cathode to 3.3V
5. pull-up 10k between RESET and 3.3V
6. pull-up 10k between CH_PD and 3.3V
So far this is all to be found on several other blogs, websites and fora. It works well for me as long as I have scope probes attached to GPIO0 and to CH_PD. As soon as I work without scope attached: not working!
So, I decided some parasitic capacitance f****s-up this nice circuit.
SOLUTION:
7. ceramic cap +/-330pF between GPIO0 and GND (ground).
Now it always does do auto-reset when uploading code to the ESP8266 (note: I use the 12f version). I manage to upload code time and time again, without ever having to disconnect power.