Can an EA run on a custom timeframe?
Hi folks,
Does anyone know if I can run an EA on a custom time frame? I mean run a live EA that places real orders.
If you google it, you find plenty about using a custom time frame in Strategy Tester. But I have not come across anything about using one live.
I have tried to attach an EA to a custom time frame and it doesn't work. The EA does in fact attach, but it won't place orders.
This tells me that no, it can't be done. But maybe there is some step I am missing. Since there is so much information about testing custom time frames in Strategy Tester, it doesn't make sense to me that you can't actually trade the EA that you tested.
If anyone can shed any light it would be appreciated.
Thanks and best,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
you don't mention which language you use (MQL4 or MQL5). I will assume you are talking about MQL5.
The predefined timeframes are these and they work as it is obvious both in the strategy tester and live.
| ID | Description |
|---|---|
| PERIOD_CURRENT | Current timeframe |
| PERIOD_M1 | 1 minute |
| PERIOD_M2 | 2 minutes |
| PERIOD_M3 | 3 minutes |
| PERIOD_M4 | 4 minutes |
| PERIOD_M5 | 5 minutes |
| PERIOD_M6 | 6 minutes |
| PERIOD_M10 | 10 minutes |
| PERIOD_M12 | 12 minutes |
| PERIOD_M15 | 15 minutes |
| PERIOD_M20 | 20 minutes |
| PERIOD_M30 | 30 minutes |
| PERIOD_H1 | 1 hour |
| PERIOD_H2 | 2 hours |
| PERIOD_H3 | 3 hours |
| PERIOD_H4 | 4 hours |
| PERIOD_H6 | 6 hours |
| PERIOD_H8 | 8 hours |
| PERIOD_H12 | 12 hours |
| PERIOD_D1 | 1 day |
| PERIOD_W1 | 1 week |
| PERIOD_MN1 | 1 month |
Through code you can create custom ones, e.g. 20 seconds or 1.5 minutes (90 seconds). But that would lead to more complex and extensive coding. My advice is to use any of the predefined ones.
Hi Jeff,
you don't mention which language you use (MQL4 or MQL5). I will assume you are talking about MQL5.
The predefined timeframes are these and they work as it is obvious both in the strategy tester and live.
| ID | Description |
|---|---|
| PERIOD_CURRENT | Current timeframe |
| PERIOD_M1 | 1 minute |
| PERIOD_M2 | 2 minutes |
| PERIOD_M3 | 3 minutes |
| PERIOD_M4 | 4 minutes |
| PERIOD_M5 | 5 minutes |
| PERIOD_M6 | 6 minutes |
| PERIOD_M10 | 10 minutes |
| PERIOD_M12 | 12 minutes |
| PERIOD_M15 | 15 minutes |
| PERIOD_M20 | 20 minutes |
| PERIOD_M30 | 30 minutes |
| PERIOD_H1 | 1 hour |
| PERIOD_H2 | 2 hours |
| PERIOD_H3 | 3 hours |
| PERIOD_H4 | 4 hours |
| PERIOD_H6 | 6 hours |
| PERIOD_H8 | 8 hours |
| PERIOD_H12 | 12 hours |
| PERIOD_D1 | 1 day |
| PERIOD_W1 | 1 week |
| PERIOD_MN1 | 1 month |
Through code you can create custom ones, e.g. 20 seconds or 1.5 minutes (90 seconds). But that would lead to more complex and extensive coding. My advice is to use any of the predefined ones.
Hi Miguel,
Thank you for your response : )
I am using MT4 which has many fewer "standard" time frame options. It's good to know this is an area that has improved in MT5.
For the moment I am assuming that EAs will not run on non-standard time frames in MT4.
Hi Miguel,
Thank you for your response : )
I am using MT4 which has many fewer "standard" time frame options. It's good to know this is an area that has improved in MT5.
For the moment I am assuming that EAs will not run on non-standard time frames in MT4.
You can run EAs on non-standard time frames in MT4 using Off-line chart. Please do some researches to find more information.
But I recommend you to switch to MT5, MT4 is obsolete.
- Free trading apps
- Over 8,000 signals for copying
- Economic news for exploring financial markets
You agree to website policy and terms of use
Hi folks,
Does anyone know if I can run an EA on a custom time frame? I mean run a live EA that places real orders.
If you google it, you find plenty about using a custom time frame in Strategy Tester. But I have not come across anything about using one live.
I have tried to attach an EA to a custom time frame and it doesn't work. The EA does in fact attach, but it won't place orders.
This tells me that no, it can't be done. But maybe there is some step I am missing. Since there is so much information about testing custom time frames in Strategy Tester, it doesn't make sense to me that you can't actually trade the EA that you tested.
If anyone can shed any light it would be appreciated.
Thanks and best,
Jeff