QuickStart
These subjects are in basic order of how your should complete them.
Step 1: Open free trial account with your futures broker
Step 2: Download and Install Sierra Charts
- Go to Sierra website and and follow their 4 steps here
- The free trial includes the Real-Time data feed for 15 days, but you need to get/pay for the exchanges
- Signup for the CME, non-professional, no market depth, futures data
- Go to your Account Control Panel (Home > Account Management > Account Control Panel
- Go to 'Activate/Deactivate Exchange Data Feed Features and Exchanges'
- Set 'Location' to where you are located
- Set 'Futures Broker' to Infinity
- Under 'Exchanges', activate 'Full CME Group (...) for nonprofessional Trading accounts ($3.25/mo)
- Under 'Exchanges', activate 'S&P Indices ($3.25/mo)
- When you activate the above, there will be various agreements to agree to
- You 'may' need to also activate the connection (will notice you if needed)
Step 3: Download the charts setup for Sierra that is configured for NDT trading
- Chart desktops in Sierra are called 'Chartbooks'
- Our chartbook is named: NewDayTrader.cht
- Go to our download page and click on: Download Chartbook
- Navigate and save it in this folder: C:\SierraChart\Data
Step 4a: Configure Chartbook for Sierra
- Boot up Sierra Charts, you may need to create a desktop shortcut
- Navigate to: C:\SierraChart and find the file: SierraChart.exe
- Right-click on this file and select: Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)
- Click on: Global Settings > General Settings
- Under 'Files To Open On Startup', click the 'Add' button, and select: NewDayTrader.cht
- Delete any other chartbooks in the list (usually ChartbookExample.cht)
- Close and restart Sierra to make sure our chartbook is now loading nicely
- You can change colors/fonts at: Global Settings > Graphics Settings - Global
Step 4b: Configure Data/Trade Service
- Go to File > Data/Trade Service Settings
- Under: Service, select:
- In Connection Details, enter your broker settings as follows:
- Connection Type: Simulated Live
- Port: 1869
- Username: Your broker username
- Password: Your broker password
- Account: Yourbroker account number
- Set Time Zone to your time
- Connect on Program Startup: checked
- Click 'OK' to finish
Step 5: Download and Install NDT AutoTrader Software
- Go to our download page and click on: Download NDT Software
- Navigate to where you download the setup file and double-click on it to begin install sequence
- When complete, you will have a desktop shortcut to run it
- Configuration of the AutoTrader is on our help page: AutoTrader
Daily Startup Routine
- It is important to start up the 3 softwares in this order each day
- You can/should boot up the softwares the night before as the AutoTrader will calculate the pivot levels for the next trading day, shortly after midnight, using data from Sierra
- The order:
- Sierra Charts - Gets data exports flowing
- Broker Platform - Makes sure DOM is up and configured and prices live
- AutoTrader - Start it last, make sure settings are to your liking, then click buttons: AT:OFF to AT:ON
Notes:
- Please contact your broker for any issues with the platform or account status
- Please use the Sierra Chart 'Support Board' for any issues with their software
- NDT is not affiliated in any way with the above 2 companies
- Please do not attempt to RUSH these steps, take your time, learn each software
Hardware
- Use a fast, modern machine, with plenty of memory
- It is best to have a dedicated machine for trading (can start out with your home unit, but upgrade soon)
- Dedicated: No virus programs, not used for browsing the internet or emails or social media stuff
- Strive for a machine with an Intel Processor, grade 5 or higher
- Use 2 monitors - Most new machines have ports for 2 monitors
- Can use a USB-VGA display adapter easily to add a second monitor - we use one from SIIG company
- Sign up for your fastest internet connection option - why skimp at this point in the game?
- Use a battery backup unit in case of an outage
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