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Geting Grounded

I am still learning about circuit building. Presently, I am using PCB circuits. I plan to stick to that, as it is my preference. I know there are Vero boards etc., and I have tried them, but they are just not for me.

One of the issues I encounter when using PCB boards is grounding. Presently , I solder in a series of steel posts (connectors)- usually 5 in series. I connect the 5 posts together and use that for any wires going to ground (which is connected to the - side of may 9V battery).

The problem is, because there are so many wires that go to ground, it ends up being messy looking. Is there a better way, short of switching the type of board I use? Any tips?

Thank-you
 

Harald Kapp

Moderator
Moderator
Stripboard is very suitable to that issue. One strip at the top for "+", one strip at the bottom for "-" or GND. The only important thing is to plan the layout well and to cut the strips thoroughly where it is required.
 
Thank-you Harald and Bertus. I am not quite there yet, mainly because I have a ton of PCB boards. For now., I was looking for tips on how to wire to ground in that context, in a tidy way. But thank-you. Maybe when I graduate to the next level of my learning, I'll switch to stripbaord and software.
 
If you are using single sided boards (a picture or link to one might help), stack two boards one on top of the other and make the bottom board a ground plane. It is an ugly way to do it, and I'd get double sided boards before doing it, but it might be the easier way towards the goal while using what you have, depending on what you have. ;)
 
Yeah, a picture of what you are using would be helpful.
If your boards are just unconnected holes, you can solder bare wire all around like a busbar if you want as a ground.
Or have top and bottom power rail busbars.
Look up 'pcb track soldering' or similar search term.

Martin
 
Yes, solder a busbar (power rail) from A to Z or 1 to 10. I couldn't find a decent enough image to upload.
You are basically having a long power rail, you can put another through the middle if you want.
It's all in the planning and layout.
Think how a breadboard is constructed.
Martin
 
solder a bare wire across 1 to 10 or A to Z?
Yes. one or the other or both. You can then have a positive rail and a negative rail.
images
upload_2021-6-26_6-15-38.png

Martin
 
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