StratEngine Settings Guide

This guide covers all configurable settings for the StratEngine automated trading strategy. Understanding these settings will help you optimize performance for your trading style and risk tolerance.

Table of Contents

• Trading Window
  • Start Time (Default: 18:00)
  • End Time (Default: 16:00)
  • Max Daily Profit (Default: 99999)
  • Max Daily Loss (Default: 99999)
• Risk Management Settings
  • Base Size (Default: 1)
  • Martingale Type (Default: None)
  • Use Dollar Risk Sizing (Default: false)
  • Risk Sizing Type (Default: Dollar)
• Trend Direction Settings
  • Trend Method (Default: TimeframeContinuity)
  • Include Daily TFC (Default: false)
  • Include Weekly TFC (Default: false)
  • HTF1-3 Minutes (Default: 60 for all)
  • Use Conflict Timeframe (Default: false)
  • HTF4 Conflict TF (Default: 0)
  • ATR Period (Default: 3)
  • ATR Multiplier (Default: 2.5)
  • Enable Pullback Filter (Default: true)
  • Use WMA Bias (Default: false)
  • Show WMA Lines (Default: false)
• Entry Models Settings
  • Include 3->2U/2D entries (Default: true)
  • Failed 2s Entry Mode (Default: Both)
  • Show Broadening Formations (Default: false)
• Take Profit Settings
  • Take Profit Type (Default: Reward)
  • R Multiplier (Default: 2.0)
  • Cover Risk (Default: true)
• Exit Strategy Settings
  • Exit on First Reversal (Default: false)
  • Minimum R to Exit (Default: 0.5)
  • Enable Break-Even (Default: false)
  • Break-Even Offset (Default: 1.5)
  • Break-Even Plus (Default: 0.25)
  • Stop Loss Type (Default: PreviousBar)
  • Fixed SL Amount (Default: 240 ticks)
  • Exit Strategy (Default: OriginalStop)
  • ATR Trail Period (Default: 14)
  • ATR Trail Multiplier (Default: 3)
  • Use ATR Trailing Stop (Default: false)
• Visual Display Settings

Trading Window

The Trading Window settings control when the strategy is active and implements daily profit/loss limits.

Start Time (Default: 18:00)

• Function: Defines the start time for active trading each day
• How it works: The strategy will only look for entry signals after this time each day
• Overnight Sessions: If you set an end time that's earlier than start time, the strategy automatically handles overnight trading sessions

End Time (Default: 16:00)

• Function: Defines the end time for active trading each day
• How it works: The strategy stops looking for new entries after this time
• Overnight Trading: When end time is before start time, the strategy treats this as an overnight session spanning two days

Max Daily Profit (Default: 99999)

• Function: Maximum daily profit limit before disabling strategy
• How it works:
  • Tracks your profit/loss for each trading session
  • Resets at the start of each new session
  • Once you reach this realized profit level, the strategy stops taking new trades for the day
  • Set to 99999 by default (effectively no limit)

Max Daily Loss (Default: 99999)

• Function: Maximum daily loss limit before disabling strategy
• How it works:
  • Tracks your losses for each trading session
  • Resets at the start of each new session
  • Once you reach this loss level, the strategy stops taking new trades for the day
  • Set to 99999 by default (effectively no limit)

Risk Management Settings

The Risk Management section controls position sizing, risk calculation methods, and martingale behavior.

Base Size (Default: 1)

• Function: Base contract size for position sizing calculations
• How it works: This is your starting position size. All other sizing calculations are based on this number

Martingale Type (Default: None)

• Function: Controls how position size changes after losing trades
• Options:
  • None: Keeps the same size after each trade (recommended for beginners)
  • Standard: Doubles the size after each loss (aggressive)
  • Linear: Adds the base size after each loss (moderate)
  • Fibonacci: Uses Fibonacci sequence for sizing after losses (mathematical approach)
• Important: Position size resets to base size after any winning trade

Use Dollar Risk Sizing (Default: false)

• Function: Enables advanced risk-based position sizing
• How it works: When enabled, this overrides martingale sizing and calculates position size based on your risk settings

Risk Sizing Type (Default: Dollar)

• Function: Determines how risk is calculated when using dollar risk sizing
• Options:
  • Dollar: Uses a fixed dollar amount per trade
  • Percent: Uses a percentage of your current account value

Max Dollar Risk Per Trade (Default: 1000)

• Function: Maximum dollar risk allowed per trade
• How it works:
  • Acts as a safety cap to prevent excessive risk
  • Used in both dollar and percentage risk modes
  • The strategy will never risk more than this amount per trade

Max Contracts Per Trade (Default: 10)

• Function: Absolute maximum number of contracts per trade
• How it works: Final safety cap that prevents the strategy from taking positions larger than this size

Account Size (Default: 100000)

• Function: Starting account value for percentage risk calculations
• How it works: Used when Risk Sizing Type is set to "Percent" to calculate risk based on your account size

Risk Percentage (Default: 2.0)

• Function: Percentage of account to risk per trade (when using Percent risk sizing)
• How it works: If set to 2.0%, the strategy will risk 2% of your current account value per trade

Full Compounding (Default: false)

• Function: Controls whether cumulative profit/loss resets each session
• How it works:
  • When false: Your cumulative P&L resets at the start of each session
  • When true: Your cumulative P&L carries over between sessions

Allow Same Bar Exit/Entry (Default: true)

• Function: Allows new entries on the same bar as an exit
• How it works: When enabled, the strategy can enter a new trade immediately after exiting a position

Trend Direction Settings

The Trend Direction settings control how the strategy determines market bias and trend direction for entry decisions.

Trend Method (Default: TimeframeContinuity)

• Function: Selects the method for bias calculation
• Options:
  • TimeframeContinuity: Analyzes multiple timeframes to determine trend direction
  • ATRTrail: Uses ATR-based trailing method for trend detection
• How it works: This is the core method the strategy uses to determine if the market is trending up, down, or neutral

Include Daily TFC (Default: false)

• Function: Include daily timeframe in TFC analysis
• How it works:
  • When enabled, adds daily timeframe to trend confirmation
  • Provides broader market context
  • Only used when Trend Method is "TimeframeContinuity"

Include Weekly TFC (Default: false)

• Function: Include weekly timeframe in TFC analysis
• How it works:
  • When enabled, adds weekly timeframe to trend confirmation
  • Provides long-term trend context
  • Only used when Trend Method is "TimeframeContinuity"

HTF1-3 Minutes (Default: 60 for all)

• Function: Additional higher timeframes for TFC analysis
• How it works:
  • HTF1, HTF2, HTF3 are custom timeframes in minutes
  • Set to 0 to disable any timeframe
  • Multiple timeframes help confirm trend direction
  • Only used when Trend Method is "TimeframeContinuity"

Use Conflict Timeframe (Default: false)

• Function: Use HTF4 as opposing direction filter
• How it works:
  • When enabled, HTF4 acts as a conflict filter
  • Blocks entries when HTF4 shows opposing trend
  • Helps avoid counter-trend trades

HTF4 Conflict TF (Default: 0)

• Function: Fourth higher timeframe used as conflict filter
• How it works:
  • Only active when "Use Conflict Timeframe" is enabled
  • Set in minutes (0 = disabled)
  • When enabled, blocks trades against this timeframe's trend

ATR Period (Default: 3)

• Function: Period for ATR calculation when using ATR Trail method
• How it works: Used only when Trend Method is set to "ATRTrail"
• Note: Lower values make the ATR more responsive to recent price action

ATR Multiplier (Default: 2.5)

• Function: Multiplier for ATR when using ATR Trail method
• How it works:
  • Used only when Trend Method is set to "ATRTrail"
  • Higher values create wider trailing bands
  • Lower values create tighter trailing bands

Enable Pullback Filter (Default: true)

• Function: Requires pullback to SMA(20) within last 3 bars for entries
• How it works:
  • Adds an additional filter to ensure price has pulled back to the 20-period moving average
  • Helps confirm entry timing by waiting for price to return to a key level
  • Only allows entries when this condition is met

Use WMA Bias (Default: false)

• Function: Uses Weighted Moving Average position for trend bias
• How it works:
  • When enabled, the strategy considers Weighted Moving Average instead of SMA
  • Price above WMA = bullish bias
  • Price below WMA = bearish bias
  • WMA gives more weight to recent prices than SMA

Show WMA Lines (Default: false)

• Function: Display WMA lines on chart when using WMA bias
• How it works:
  • Shows visual representation of WMA on chart
  • Only visible when Use WMA Bias is enabled
  • Helps confirm bias calculations visually

Entry Models Settings

The Entry Models settings control which types of entry signals the strategy will look for and how they are processed.

Include 3->2U/2D entries (Default: true)

• Function: Includes 3-2 (3->2U/2D) patterns in signal analysis
• How it works:
  • Enables the strategy to look for three-bar patterns that lead to two-bar continuation patterns
  • These are more complex entry signals that require specific bar sequences
  • When disabled, the strategy focuses on simpler two-bar patterns

Failed 2s Entry Mode (Default: Both)

• Function: Selects how to handle failed 2-bar entries
• Options:
  • None: No reversal entries allowed
  • Both: Include reversal entries with other patterns
  • Only: Only reversal entries (exclude other patterns)
• How it works: Controls whether the strategy looks for reversal opportunities when initial patterns fail

Include Momentum Hammers/Shooters (Default: false)

• Function: Includes hammer/shooter momentum patterns in signal analysis
• How it works:
  • Hammers: Bullish reversal patterns with long lower shadows
  • Shooters: Bearish reversal patterns with long upper shadows
  • Adds momentum-based entry signals to the strategy

Show Broadening Formations (Default: false)

• Function: Enables/disables broadening formation detection and drawing
• How it works:
  • When enabled, the strategy looks for broadening formation patterns
  • These are chart patterns that can indicate potential reversal points
  • Also draws the formation lines on the chart for visual reference

Use BF Bias (Default: false)

• Function: Uses Broadening Formation bias in TFC calculations
• How it works:
  • When enabled, broadening formations influence the trend direction calculation
  • Adds another layer of pattern-based bias to entry decisions
  • Only active when Show Broadening Formations is enabled

Swing Period (Default: 3)

• Function: Period for BeeEfs swing detection
• How it works:
  • Higher values = more significant swings (less sensitive)
  • Lower values = more frequent swing detection (more sensitive)
  • Used for broadening formation analysis
  • Range: 3-50

Take Profit Settings

The Take Profit settings control how the strategy exits profitable positions and manages profit targets.

Take Profit Type (Default: Reward)

• Function: Selects the take profit method
• Options:
  • Reward: Take profit as multiple of stop loss distance (R-multiple)
  • Fixed: Fixed take profit distance in ticks
• How it works: Determines whether profit targets are based on risk multiples or fixed distances

R Multiplier (Default: 2.0)

• Function: Take profit as multiple of stop loss distance (R)
• How it works:
  • Used when Take Profit Type is set to "Reward"
  • If R Multiplier = 2.0, take profit is 2x the stop loss distance
  • Example: If stop loss is 10 ticks, take profit is 20 ticks
  • Range: 0.5-10.0

Fixed TP Amount (ticks) (Default: 240)

• Function: Fixed take profit distance in ticks
• How it works:
  • Used when Take Profit Type is set to "Fixed"
  • Take profit is always this many ticks from entry
  • Independent of stop loss distance
  • Range: 0-1380 ticks

Cover Risk (Default: true)

• Function: Split position: half at 1:1 R:R, half at selected TP method
• How it works:
  • When enabled, the strategy splits the position into two parts
  • First half: Exits at 1:1 risk/reward ratio (break-even plus 1R)
  • Second half: Exits at the selected take profit method
  • Provides partial profit taking while allowing for larger gains

Exit Strategy Settings

The Exit Strategy settings control how the strategy manages position exits, stop losses, and break-even functionality.

Exit on First Reversal (Default: false)

• Function: Exit position on first reversal of primary timeframe
• How it works:
  • When enabled, the strategy exits immediately when the primary timeframe shows a reversal
  • Helps protect profits by exiting at the first sign of trend change
  • Can result in earlier exits but may miss continued moves

Minimum R to Exit (Default: 0.5)

• Function: Minimum profit in R-multiples required before allowing reversal exits
• How it works:
  • Only applies when Exit on First Reversal is enabled
  • Position must be at least this many R in profit before reversal exit is allowed
  • Helps prevent premature exits on small pullbacks
  • Range: 0.0-10.0

Enable Break-Even (Default: false)

• Function: Move stop loss to break-even after reaching profit target
• How it works:
  • When enabled, the strategy moves the stop loss to entry price after reaching a certain profit level
  • Protects profits by ensuring no loss on the trade
  • Requires Break-Even Offset to be set

Break-Even Offset (R) (Default: 1.5)

• Function: Risk multiples beyond entry price for break-even
• How it works:
  • Defines how much profit is needed before moving stop loss to break-even
  • If set to 1.5, stop loss moves to break-even after 1.5x the stop loss distance in profit
  • Range: 0.0-99.0 (0 = 1R/SL distance)

Break-Even Plus (R) (Default: 0.25)

• Function: Additional R value to add to break-even price for guaranteed profit
• How it works:
  • When break-even is triggered, stop loss moves to entry price plus this additional amount
  • Ensures a small guaranteed profit instead of just break-even
  • Range: 0.0-99.0

Stop Loss Type (Default: PreviousBar)

• Function: Select stop loss calculation method
• Options:
  • PreviousBar: Previous bar high/low (current default)
  • Fixed: Fixed tick amount
  • CurrentHighLow: Current bar high/low
• How it works: Determines how the initial stop loss level is calculated

Fixed SL Amount (ticks) (Default: 240)

• Function: Fixed stop loss distance in ticks
• How it works:
  • Used when Stop Loss Type is set to "Fixed"
  • Stop loss is always this many ticks from entry
  • Range: 0-1380 ticks

Exit Strategy (Default: OriginalStop)

• Function: Determines which method to use for position exits
• Options:
  • OriginalStop: Maintains original stop loss throughout the trade
  • ATRTrail: Uses ATR-based trailing stop once in profit
• How it works: Controls whether to use static or dynamic stop management

ATR Trail Period (Default: 14)

• Function: Period for ATR calculation when using ATR trailing stop
• How it works:
  • Number of bars used to calculate Average True Range
  • Only active when Exit Strategy is "ATRTrail"
  • Standard value is 14 periods
  • Range: 1-50

ATR Trail Multiplier (Default: 3)

• Function: Multiplier for ATR-based trailing stop distance
• How it works:
  • Trail distance = ATR × Multiplier
  • Only active when Exit Strategy is "ATRTrail"
  • Higher values create wider trailing stops
  • Range: 0.5-10.0

Use ATR Trailing Stop (Default: false)

• Function: Enable ATR-based trailing stop management
• How it works:
  • When enabled, uses ATR trailing stop once position is profitable
  • Trails stop based on ATR distance from current price
  • Only activates after price moves favorably
  • Works in conjunction with Exit Strategy setting

Visual Display Settings

The Visual Display settings control what information is shown on the chart and how it appears.

Show WMA Line (Default: false)

• Function: Display the Weighted Moving Average line on chart
• How it works:
  • When enabled, shows WMA line on the chart
  • Visual confirmation of WMA bias calculations
  • Only relevant when using WMA bias settings

Line Color (Default: Custom)

• Function: Color for broadening formation lines
• How it works:
  • Sets the color of broadening formation trendlines
  • Only visible when Show Broadening Formations is enabled
  • Customizable to match your chart preferences

Line Width (Default: 1)

• Function: Width of broadening formation lines
• How it works:
  • Controls the thickness of broadening formation trendlines
  • Higher values = thicker lines
  • Lower values = thinner lines

Keep Only Latest BF (Default: false)

• Function: Remove previous broadening formation trendlines when new ones are drawn
• How it works:
  • When enabled, automatically removes old broadening formation lines
  • Keeps the chart clean and uncluttered
  • Only shows the most recent trendlines

Need Help?

If you need assistance with settings:

• Join our Discord community for real-time help
• Visit the Support Center for guides
• Contact us for personalized assistance

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Remember: These are default suggestions. Always adjust settings based on your personal risk tolerance and trading goals.