Forex Trader Interface Module
This module allows you to automatically take SCS signals from the charts. This primary action is where most of the trading stress comes from, 'pressing the trigger'.
The module, working with Ninja, will place the trade using your pre-set parameters and when filled, the trade is automatically 'bracketed' with a protective stop and target price!
Semi-Automatic Trading
When you run our strategies in the charts, you will see a small 'target line' print with each signal. A quick glance at your charts will show you that you have many-many more wins at this price target level then any loss trades.
Thus, you can let the Auto Interface module 'take the trade', then when you see the price hit the target line, you can manually hit the 'Flatten Position' button, and that scalp trade is completed!
The EUR SCS has these target 1 lines pre-determined at 16 pips profit and at this target line you can:
- Flatten entire position
- Scale out a portion of position, bring up stop on the rest, go for higher targets
Face it, a couple hours or less at your computer several times a week is better than anything else out there. You can have your coffee, beer, TV, music, or whatever else you want during your wait for the signals.
Automatic Trading
With the Auto Interface module, you can pre-program, in Ninjatrader, a pre-determined strategy for trade management.
Interface Module Features
- Receives input signals from the SCS chart
- Processes signal into Ninjatrader format, using your parameters
- Sends processed signal to Ninjatrader for execution
- Separate software from eSignal and Ninjatrader
- Not inserted into an eSignal chart
- Must be 'booted' up on its own, using desktop shortcut
- Start module AFTER eSignal and Ninjatrader
Download/Install
- Download link on our download page
- Download file name: Forex Trader Setup.msi
- Installed file name: : ForexTrader.exe
- Shortcut to run on desktop
Boot-up Sequences
Always use this order:
- Boot up esignal charts
- Boot up AND connect Ninja to your brokerage data feed
- Boot up Forex Trader Module
- CONFIRM you have Bid/Ask price data in module
Failing to boot up in this sequence will probably show this error window:
Signal Flow
The following is how a signal is generated and finally makes its way to your brokerage and gets filled:
- eSignal chart with SCS installed and autotrade set to: TRUE
- SCS signal is sent to esignal's Formula Output folder
- Auto Inteface module receives signal
- If valid order, conforms to your set parameters, signal processes to Ninjatrader
- Ninja accepts module order IF ATI is set: ON
- If module order valid, ie, proper ATM matches in the Ninja DOM, order is executed
- MARKET orders filled immediately. LIMIT orders may/may not be filled.
Signal Flow Diagram
Module Settings: Connection Folder Paths
The Interface Module needs to communicate to where the chart SCS signals are coming from and where the Ninja incoming and outgoing folders are. The usual folder paths are shown below in red. If for whatever reason, you installed in a different place, then use that path. You will have a chance to test everything in the simulation account, Sim101, before going live.
In the Module:
Example of Completed Connection Settings WindowClick: Settings > Connections...
This will open the window: Ninja / eSignal Connection Settings
1. Click on button: Ninja Incoming Folder, set to this:
C:\Users\<name>\Documents\NinjaTrader 7\incoming
2. Click on button: Ninja Outgoing Folder, set to this:
C:\Users\<name>\Documents\NinjaTrader 7\incoming
3. Click on the button: Formula Output Folder , set to this:
C:\Users\<name>\Documents\Interactive Data\FormulaOutput
Note: With eSignal ver. 11 and beyond, the 'FormulaOutput' folder has been moved into the '\Documents\Interactive Data' folder.
eSignal Ver. 10.6
The eSignal ver. 10.6 Formula Output Folder path is:
C:\Users\Public\CF_Orders
Make sure the eSignal settings are correct for this path. In esignal, open up the Formula Engine Settings window as follows:
Tools > EFS > Settings....
Then click on the 'Formula Output Root' button to change path.
Then this path must match what you have in the Interface Module.
Ninja Version
You MUST use Ninjatrader Ver. 7x on, with the Auto Interface module.
Ninja Account Connection
This box is here to remind you of what you must name the account connection in the NinjaTrader platform, when you get to that point.
Test Order Processing
Perform this test when everything for setup is completed, both for this module and for the NinjaTrader platform.
- Ninja booted up and account connected
- Account selection in both Ninja and the Module is: Sim101
- Ninja's ATI selected
- Ninja DOM up and running with the ATM constructed for chosen strategy
- Module booted up and 'green' light connected to Ninja
You may then press the button: Send Buy Order, and you should see an order placed in the Ninja platform and also show up in the Module.
Press the button: Flatten Position, to test manual closing of an order
Important: In Sim101 mode, it can take a bit for the orders and flatten to process. Be patient and DO NOT bang away at the buttons repeatedly.
eSignal Username
Your correct username is required for the module to interface with your EFS suite strategies in the charts. On program, initial boot, you will be given a dialog box to input your username. If this ever changes, or somehow was incorrect, you can change it here.
Module Settings: Broker Specific
This screen is where you select the account number to trade. For Forex, you also need to select the decimal places and lots display in the DOM.
In the Module:
Click: Settings > Broker Specific...
This will open the window: Broker Settings - Account: <number>
Accounts
Your initial account to trade/practice with is Ninja's Sim101. It has been pre-selected. When you have a real account number, then type it into the box and then select it.
Broker Decimal Places
Most Forex brokers now use 5 digits. Just select the proper value.
Ninja lots display in DOM
Some brokers, like PFG, use the 'fractions of a million' instead of single digit lot values.
Example of Completed Broker Settings Window
Main Window: EUR Trade Parameters
This panel is where you set your primary trade parameters.
In the above window we have set sample TRADE parameters:
- ON CHECKBOX is checked.
When checked, the module will accept orders from the eSignal chart SCS strategy.
If unchecked, then chart signals will not be processed.
- Lots
Select the number of lots to trade.
- Max spread
Select the maximum spread you will allow at moment of strategy signal. If the spread is greater than this value, the signal will not be processed over to Ninja.
- Limit Order @ <value>
Check this box and set a pip value. Module will send a LIMIT order using the current price at signal time @ <value> pips better. Of course, you risk not getting filled, if price keeps moving in the desired trade direction.
- Orders per L/S @ <Value>
If checked, will restrict the number <value> of trades per direction, Long or Short, in a row. This is very useful, as no trend lasts forever, and taking about 2-3 signals per direction is pretty good most of the time.
- Off Pnl (-) <value> (+) <value>
Check to turn off module if the Closed PnL reaches a negative (-) <value> or reaches a positive (+) <value>. If this function engages in real-time, it simply 'uncheckes' the 'On' box at the top.
- ATM Strategy
Select the ATM strategy you have pre-programmed in Ninjatrader platform. Remember, you do this in Ninja's DOM window. Be sure you have constructed that ATM in Ninja also, and used the same name.
You can construct and name up to 5 different ATM's if desired. The possible ATM names are:EUR1, EUR2, EUR3, EUR4, EUR5
If your Ninja ATM is not set up correct, or if your chosen strategy does not have an ATM set up in Ninja, you will get an error from Ninja: 'holds invalid strategy template name'.
- Symbol Auto On/Off @ <values>
Check and select time <values> to auto turn module on/off at your preselected times. These are in 24 hour military time and uses the times on your local computer.
- Cancel order in <value> minutes
If checked, will cancel an unfilled order in <value> minutes. This is needed for the placement of LIMIT orders that may not get filled, and you do not want this order lying around.
- Flatten (>=+2) trade in <value> minutes
This will auto flatten a filled trade in <value> minutes, IF the PnL is greater or equal to 2 ticks/pips. Be careful using this function in Forex, as many very good trades may take hours to come to fruition.
- Cancel Order Button
If you see a pending order you wish to manually cancel, press this button.
- Flatten Position Button
Press this button to manually flatten a filled position.
Main Window: Active Log
- Activity log: prints all activity of the module
The logs are automatically saved to your hard drive when you shut down the module. You can access these save logs in the module by:
Click: File > Log Files...
Note: If you ever experience a 'bug' or unusual situation and want us to evaluate, we will need you to attach the active log in an email to us here
Overall Setup Diagram
Troubleshooting
Sim Test Order works fine, but no signal from eSignal chart EFS
This can only be 1 of 2 things:
- Autotrade is not 'ON' in the SCS
- eSignal Formula Output Folder setting is not correct