I'm currently designing my first PCB. This is probably a stupid question, but I don't see this much on pro-PCB's so I thought I'd ask...
I always have a tough time trying to figure out where to solder all my off board grounds, so I thought I'd just put a few extra ground connections on my PCB. Is there any reason I shouldn't do that?
Thanks!
Nope, you can add as many grounds as you like.
I found that 2 are sufficient on the main board: 1 for the voltage jack and one for connecting to the stomp daughter board. everything else is wired to the stomp board.
If you are using a bare 3pdt, I can see the appeal of extra gnd pads for the in and out jacks.
thanks!
If you're going to use a ground plane it really doesn't matter if you just make a bunch of extra ground pads and put them whereever is convenient. If you don't use a ground plane, though, you can end up with a ground loop (or loops). Doesn't happen often with pedals because they're so simple and small, but it can happen, and it seems to be a best practices sort of thing. So I recommend making a ground plane if you can.
That is a great idea to add extra ground pads. I say make it how you like it to be used. You are in good company as PedalPCB.com adds extra ground pads at the top of their boards for the in/out jacks ground wire (they are set up for top mounted jacks).