| What is the Posts article about? | It explains how to define an individual post layout in the HELIOS 3D Array Generator. The Posts section controls how support posts are arranged inside an array definition and how they react to rack geometry, inclination, terrain slope, and east-west configurations. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where is the Posts topic located? | It is part of the vertical menu workflow under Overview of Commands > Vertical Menu > Array Generator > Posts. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the main purpose of the Posts section? | Its purpose is to define or adjust the post layout before the array definition is used for placement in a PV layout. The resulting post configuration affects generated rack geometry and can also be relevant for evaluation, documentation, and quantity-related outputs. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What does the Posts section influence? | It influences the structural representation of the rack, the position of post rows, the number of posts per row, and the behavior of posts under rack geometry, module inclination, terrain slope, and east-west rack configurations. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| When should I use the Posts section? | Use it when you need to define or adjust the post layout of an array definition before using that array definition in PV placement. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What is Installation type used for? | Installation type determines whether neighboring racks are treated as independent structures or connected structures. This affects left and right post offsets and whether adjacent arrays can share posts on connected sides. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What is Detached Installation? | Detached Installation means the rack operates as a detached system. Left and right post offsets are applied individually to each rack. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
When should I choose Detached Installation? | Choose Detached Installation if each rack should keep its own complete post structure, including its own left and right post offsets. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What is Connected Installation? | Connected Installation links neighboring racks. Post offsets to the left and right are only considered at the outer ends of the first and last racks in a row. If two arrays are placed directly next to each other, they share the post on the connected side. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
When should I choose Connected Installation? | Choose Connected Installation if racks placed directly next to each other should behave as a linked row and share posts where applicable. This is important for post quantities and visual continuity in long table rows. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What happens to post offsets in detached installation? | In detached installation, left and right post offsets are applied separately to every rack. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What happens to post offsets in connected installation? | In connected installation, left and right offsets are considered only at the outer ends of the first and last racks in a connected row. Adjacent arrays can share a post on the connected side. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can neighboring arrays share posts? | Yes. In connected installation, two arrays placed directly next to each other can share the post on the connected side, resulting in one fewer post for one of the arrays. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| When can the installation type be modified? | The article states that both detached and connected installation settings can only be modified in edit mode and when no rack is selected from the database. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if I cannot change the installation type? | Check whether the array definition is in edit mode and whether no rack is selected from the database. The article states that installation type can only be modified under those conditions. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Why is the installation type important for evaluation? | Installation type affects whether posts are shared between adjacent arrays. This can change post quantities, structural layout, visual continuity, and later documentation or quantity-related outputs. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Default Ram Depth define? | Default Ram Depth defines the depth to which the post is embedded in the soil. This depth remains consistent for all posts. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
Does Default Ram Depth vary per post? | No. The article states that the default ram depth remains consistent for all posts. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if post embedment depth is wrong? | Check the Default Ram Depth, because it defines the soil embedment depth used consistently for all posts. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What is Row distance in module plane? | It means the offsets for post rows are defined in the module plane based on the default module inclination angle. For other inclination angles, the positions on the ground are adjusted accordingly. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What is Row distance on ground? | It means the offsets for post rows are defined on the ground. With this option, offsets in the module plane are adjusted for different module inclination angles. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the difference between row distance in module plane and row distance on ground? | Row distance in module plane defines post-row offsets in the inclined module plane and adjusts ground positions for other inclinations. Row distance on ground defines offsets on the ground and adjusts module-plane offsets for other inclinations. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What base point is used for post offsets if no overhang is specified? | If no overhang is specified, the upper edges of the modules serve as the base point for the post offset. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What base point is used for post offsets if overhang is specified? | If overhang is defined, the upper edge of the module support is used as the base point for the post offset. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does module inclination affect post-row offsets? | Depending on the selected reference, HELIOS 3D adjusts either the ground positions or the module-plane offsets when the module inclination differs from the default inclination angle. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if post rows shift when inclination changes? | Check whether post-row offsets are defined in the module plane or on the ground, and check the default module inclination angle. Different inclination angles can cause adjusted post positions. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Align posts perpendicular to rack do? | It positions posts at a 90° angle to the rack structure and aligns them with the slope of each table insertion. This alignment follows the row direction slope. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
When should I use Align posts perpendicular to rack? | Use it when posts should follow the rack structure at a perpendicular 90° angle and align with the slope of each inserted table. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Align post rows to first row do? | For multiple post rows, it aligns each row with the first row so that all posts form a straight line when terrain slopes in the table row direction. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What happens without Align post rows to first row? | Without this option, each post row is positioned based on its offset from the outer boundary on the left and right sides. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
When should I use Align post rows to first row? | Use it when multiple post rows should remain aligned with the first row and form straight post lines on terrain sloping in the table row direction. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where are post rows and posts per row specified? | They are specified in the list view, where several insertion commands are available above the list for easier setup. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Add new post row do? | It adds a new post row at the end of the list. The row offset can then be set to the front or rear of the array using the Front mm or Rear mm fields. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How can I set the offset of a new post row? | After adding a new post row, set its offset using the Front mm or Rear mm fields. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Add centered post row do? | It inserts a centered post row for east-west racks. The row is placed centrally in the gap between the mirrored geometry sections. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
Is Add centered post row available for all rack types? | No. It is available exclusively for east-west racks. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Is a centered post row mirrored for east-west racks? | No. The centered post row itself is not mirrored. Only the number of posts within the row can be adjusted, not its main position. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What can be adjusted for a centered post row? | Only the number of posts within the centered row can be adjusted. Its main position cannot be adjusted. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Add default post to row do? | It appends a post to the end of the selected post row using the default configuration, where the post head height aligns with the bottom of the module support. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What was the earlier standard post generation method? | The article states that the default post, where the post head height aligns with the bottom of the module support, was the standard post generation method in earlier HELIOS 3D versions. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What additional options are available from the Add default post to row dropdown? | The dropdown allows adding a post before the selected post node or replacing the selected post with one that has adjustable height. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Add post with adjustable height to row do? | It adds a post with adjustable height to the end of the post row. The post head is initially aligned with the upper module plane, or active area. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How is the height of an adjustable post changed? | The post head can be lowered by entering a value in the Height Diff. column. The value is measured in millimeters. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Height Diff. mean? | Height Diff. is the value by which the adjustable post head is lowered from its initial position at the upper module plane. It is measured in millimeters. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What additional options are available from the adjustable-post dropdown? | The dropdown allows adding a post before the selected post node or replacing the selected adjustable post with a standard post. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the difference between a default post and an adjustable-height post? | A default post aligns its head with the bottom of the module support. An adjustable-height post initially aligns its head with the upper module plane and can be lowered with the Height Diff. value. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Generate posts automatically do? | It opens the dialog to generate a post row. For a clean list view, a row is generated at the center of the array, or in each array half for east-west racks. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where are automatically generated post rows placed? | A post row is generated at the center of the array. For east-west racks, a row is generated in each array half. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Where does automatic post generation place posts? | It places one post at each table end and adds additional posts at each gap between module groups. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What happens if I run automatic post generation on an existing selected row? | If an existing row entry is selected, all posts in that row are removed and replaced by generated posts at table ends or specified offsets, plus additional posts at module group gaps if defined. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Can automatic post generation delete existing posts? | Yes. Using the command on a post row that already contains posts deletes the existing posts before adding new ones. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What should I check before using Generate posts automatically? | Check whether an existing row with posts is selected, because the command will delete the existing posts in that row before generating new ones. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Copy row do? | Copy row duplicates the selected row entry together with all contained posts. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Delete selected entries do? | It removes the selected entries from the post list. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
What does Center row do? | It centers the selected row within the array at the module plane. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
When should I use Center row? | Use it when the selected post row should be centered within the array at the module plane. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if post quantities are lower than expected? | Check whether Connected Installation is enabled. Adjacent arrays can share posts on connected sides, resulting in one fewer post for one of the arrays. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if every rack should have its own full post structure? | Use Detached Installation, because left and right post offsets are applied individually to each rack in that mode. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if adjacent racks should share posts? | Use Connected Installation, because it links neighboring racks and allows directly adjacent arrays to share posts on connected sides. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if post offsets do not use the expected reference point? | Check whether overhang is defined. Without overhang, the upper module edge is used as the base point; with overhang, the upper edge of the module support is used. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if post rows do not align on sloped terrain? | Check Align posts perpendicular to rack and Align post rows to first row. These options control perpendicular rack alignment and alignment of multiple post rows to the first row on terrain slopes. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if post rows are not straight in row direction? | Enable or review Align post rows to first row, because it ensures all posts form a straight line when terrain slopes in the table row direction. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if a centered post row is not available? | Check whether the array type is an east-west rack. The centered post row command is available exclusively for east-west racks. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if a centered post row cannot be moved? | This is expected. The centered row is placed centrally between the mirrored geometry sections, and only the number of posts within the row can be adjusted. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if an adjustable post height looks wrong? | Check the Height Diff. value. It lowers the post head by the entered millimeter value from the upper module plane. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if a post head should align with the bottom of the module support? | Use a default post, because its default configuration aligns the post head height with the bottom of the module support. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if a post head should be lowered from the active module plane? | Use a post with adjustable height and set the desired lowering value in Height Diff.. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if automatic post generation places too many posts? | Check module group gaps and table ends, because automatic generation places one post at each table end and additional posts at each gap between module groups. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if automatic post generation replaced my custom post row? | This is expected if the command was used on a row that already contained posts. The article states that existing posts in the selected row are deleted before new posts are generated. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if copied post rows do not match expectations? | Confirm which row was selected before using Copy row, because the command duplicates the selected row and all posts contained in it. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What should I check if selected post entries disappeared? | Check whether Delete selected entries was used, because this command removes selected entries from the list. The article does not describe an undo workflow. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe post quantity output in detail? | No. It states that the post configuration can be relevant for evaluation, documentation, and quantity-related outputs, but it does not describe specific report fields or export workflows. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe exact validation messages for invalid post layouts? | No. It explains post layout settings and commands, but it does not list specific validation messages or error codes. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe detailed database rack selection behavior? | Only partly. It states that installation type can only be modified in edit mode and when no rack is selected from the database, but it does not explain all rack database selection behavior. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe how post layouts affect already placed arrays? | No. The page explains post layout inside the array definition, but it does not describe in detail how changes affect already placed arrays. This should be checked technically or in placement-related documentation. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| Does the article describe individual post editing beyond list commands? | Only partly. It describes adding, replacing, copying, deleting, centering, and height adjustment, but it does not provide a complete field-by-field editing reference for every list column. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Posts relate to Module Support? | Module Support defines rack support geometry, height references, overhangs, inclination, and slope-related parameters, while Posts defines how the support posts are arranged within that array definition. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Posts relate to Array Types? | Some post options depend on the array type. For example, Add centered post row is available only for east-west racks, where the post row is placed between mirrored geometry sections. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Posts relate to Common Tab settings? | Common Tab settings such as module arrangement and module groups can influence post generation, because automatic post generation places posts at table ends and at gaps between module groups. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Posts relate to field placement? | The post layout becomes part of the generated rack geometry used during PV placement. It can affect visual rack representation and later evaluation or quantity-related outputs. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Posts relate to terrain slope? | The Posts section includes options for post-row offset references and alignment behavior on sloped terrain, including perpendicular rack alignment and aligning multiple post rows to the first row. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| How does Posts relate to east-west racks? | East-west racks have special post behavior. A centered post row can be inserted exclusively for east-west racks, centrally within the gap between mirrored geometry sections, and automatic post generation can create rows in each array half. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
| What is the main takeaway from the Posts article? | The Posts article defines how support posts are arranged in an array definition. Key settings include detached or connected installation, ram depth, post-row reference, slope alignment, post-row list management, default and adjustable-height posts, automatic post generation, row copying, deletion, and centering. (Helios 3D | HELP CENTER) |
