Difference between revisions of "Data Sources Overview"

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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' [[File:QM_DataSources.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click '''Activate'''. The data source is now marked in green and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters can now be edited.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click '''Activate'''. The data source is now marked in green and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters can now be edited.
  
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' [[File:QM_DataSources.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click '''Deactivate'''. The data source is now marked in red and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters cannot be edited.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click '''Deactivate'''. The data source is now marked in red and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters cannot be edited.
  
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' [[File:QM_DataSources.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Settings''' button.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Settings''' button.
  
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' [[File:QM_DataSources.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Clone''' button.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Clone''' button.
 
# Enter a '''Data Source Name''' (up to 3 characters).
 
# Enter a '''Data Source Name''' (up to 3 characters).
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' [[File:QM_DataSources.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Edit''' button.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Edit''' button.
  
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Tools''' menu, click '''Data Sources''', or click the '''Data Sources''' [[File:QM_DataSources.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Delete''' button.
 
# Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the '''Delete''' button.
 
<br>
 
<br>
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Symbol''' menu, select '''Add Symbol''', then click '''Manually''', or <br>Click the '''Add Symbol''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/01_AddSymbol.png icon on the toolbar.
+
# On the '''Symbol''' menu, select '''Add Symbol''', then click '''Manually''', or <br>Click the '''Add Symbol''' [[File:QM_addsymbol.png]] icon on the toolbar.
 
# Select a '''Data Source''' from the list. If the desired data vendor is not listed, it could be that the vendor is not installed. See [[Operating_Data_Sources|Data Sources]] for additional information.  
 
# Select a '''Data Source''' from the list. If the desired data vendor is not listed, it could be that the vendor is not installed. See [[Operating_Data_Sources|Data Sources]] for additional information.  
 
# Enter the '''Symbol''' name.  
 
# Enter the '''Symbol''' name.  
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# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
# Open '''QuoteManager''' window
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
 
#* see [[:Category:QuoteManager#Opening QuoteManager|how]]
# On the '''Symbol''' menu, select '''Add Symbol'''.  
+
# On the '''Instrument''' menu, select '''Add Symbol'''.  
 
# Select '''From Data Source'''.  
 
# Select '''From Data Source'''.  
 
# Choose a data source from the '''Data Source '''list; the '''Insert Symbols into Portfolio''' window will open.<br>If a data vendor is not in the list:  
 
# Choose a data source from the '''Data Source '''list; the '''Insert Symbols into Portfolio''' window will open.<br>If a data vendor is not in the list:  
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#* data source is not supported ([[:Category:Built-in_Data_Sources|Built-in Datafeeds]] should be used).
 
#* data source is not supported ([[:Category:Built-in_Data_Sources|Built-in Datafeeds]] should be used).
 
# Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added.  
 
# Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added.  
# Enter all or part of the symbol name into the '''Symbol''' box and click '''Lookup'''.<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: Additional search options may be available depending on data source selected.</div>
+
# Enter all or part of the symbol name into the '''Symbol''' box and click '''Lookup'''.<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note''': Additional search options may be available depending on data source selected.</div>
 
# Select the desired symbol(s).  
 
# Select the desired symbol(s).  
# Click '''Add'''. A message that you have added it to your database should appear.<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: If there is a message “You must create *** exchange first”, it means that a symbol that is added has an exchange that is not in the list of exchanges in QuoteManager. All that you need to do is to add the required exchange to the list with correct corresponding abbreviation (see [[Setting Exchanges & ECNs]]). </div>  
+
# Click '''Add'''. A message that you have added it to your database should appear.<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note''': If there is a message “'''You must create *** exchange first'''”, it means that a symbol that is added has an exchange that is not in the list of exchanges in QuoteManager. All that you need to do is to add the required exchange to the list with correct corresponding abbreviation. The easiest way is to select an existing one and '''[[Setting Exchanges & ECNs#Cloning the Exchange/ECN|clone]]''' it putting the required abbreviation. </div>  
 
# Click '''Close''' or continue to search for symbols. <br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: If necessary, [[Setting_Properties|Symbol Properties]] can be changed (not recommended).</div>
 
# Click '''Close''' or continue to search for symbols. <br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: If necessary, [[Setting_Properties|Symbol Properties]] can be changed (not recommended).</div>
 
<br>
 
<br>
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If '''Option'''/'''Fund''' tab is selected, there is an extra field '''Category''' available. For options '''Stock Options''' or '''Futures Options''' can be selected. For funds '''Mutual Funds''' or '''Money Market Funds''' can be selected.<br>
 
If '''Option'''/'''Fund''' tab is selected, there is an extra field '''Category''' available. For options '''Stock Options''' or '''Futures Options''' can be selected. For funds '''Mutual Funds''' or '''Money Market Funds''' can be selected.<br>
  
<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note''': It is possible to put '''*''' in search field and click the '''Lookup''' button to get all available instruments from server when you add instruments from: Dukascopy, eSignal, GlobalServer, IQFeed, IWBank QuickTrade, LMAX, MetaStock, Open E Cry (for Futures and Forex only), PFGBEST, Patsystems, Rithmic 01, TradeStation (for Forex only), Zen-Fire. </div>
+
<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">'''Note''': It is possible to put '''*''' in search field and click the '''Lookup''' button to get all available instruments from server when you add instruments from: Dukascopy, eSignal, GlobalServer, IQFeed, IWBank QuickTrade, LMAX, MetaStock, GAIN Capital (ex. Open E Cry) (for Futures and Forex only), Patsystems, Rithmic 01, TradeStation (for Forex only). </div>
  
 
===Unique Features of Specific Data Sources in Insert Symbols into Portfolio Window===
 
===Unique Features of Specific Data Sources in Insert Symbols into Portfolio Window===
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====Interactive Brokers====
 
====Interactive Brokers====
  
When adding instruments from Interactive Brokers there is '''Cash''' tab instead of '''Forex'''. Enter the first currency of the instrument to search for all pairs starting with this currency. One can also specify the second currency of the symbol in Currency field on the tab to get the specific currency pair.<br>When adding futures contracts from Interactive Brokers, you can check Include Expired Contracts box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see [[Custom Futures]]).
+
When adding instruments from Interactive Brokers there is '''Cash''' tab instead of '''Forex'''. Enter the first currency of the instrument to search for all pairs starting with this currency. One can also specify the second currency of the symbol in Currency field on the tab to get the specific currency pair.<br>When adding futures contracts from Interactive Brokers, you can check '''Include Expired Contracts''' box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see [[Custom Futures]]).
  
 
====IWBank QuickTrade====
 
====IWBank QuickTrade====
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When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check '''Include Expired Contracts''' box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see [[Custom Futures]]).<br>When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check Show Electronic Contracts Only box.<br>When adding stocks/indexes/futures/options/funds from TradeStation, you can check select '''All Countries''', '''United States''' or '''Germany''' in '''Country''' field.
 
When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check '''Include Expired Contracts''' box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see [[Custom Futures]]).<br>When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check Show Electronic Contracts Only box.<br>When adding stocks/indexes/futures/options/funds from TradeStation, you can check select '''All Countries''', '''United States''' or '''Germany''' in '''Country''' field.
  
====Zen-fire/Rithmic 01====
+
====Rithmic 01====
  
 
In '''Search Options''' field '''Symbol''', '''Symbol Root''' or '''Description''' can be selected. It is also possible to specify the '''Exchange''', however it is not recommended since exchange names on data source end and in MultiCharts may slightly differ.
 
In '''Search Options''' field '''Symbol''', '''Symbol Root''' or '''Description''' can be selected. It is also possible to specify the '''Exchange''', however it is not recommended since exchange names on data source end and in MultiCharts may slightly differ.
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==Troubleshooting==
 
==Troubleshooting==
  
Establishing connection and processing data requests can be reviewed in the '''Event Log''' window of '''QuoteManager''' when a chart is plotted or data is requested from '''QuoteManager''' or '''Portfolio Backtester'''.<br>'''Event Log''' is located at the bottom of '''QuoteManager''' by default. One can show/hide it by clicking '''View''' in '''QuoteManager''' main window and selecting '''Event Log'''.<br>If you experience any issues with incoming data, the first step is to check '''Event Log''' messages.
+
Establishing connection and processing data requests can be reviewed in the '''Event Log''' window of '''QuoteManager''' when a chart is plotted or data is requested from '''QuoteManager''' or '''Portfolio Trader'''.<br>'''Event Log''' is located at the bottom of '''QuoteManager''' by default. One can show/hide it by clicking '''View''' in '''QuoteManager''' main window and selecting '''Event Log'''.<br>If you experience any issues with incoming data, the first step is to check '''Event Log''' messages.
  
  
  
 
[[Category:Setting Data Sources]]
 
[[Category:Setting Data Sources]]

Latest revision as of 15:48, 15 March 2017

Understanding Data Sources

MultiCharts is a data feed neutral trading platform, it doesn’t come with any prebuilt real-time data feed. We believe that our customers should be able to choose a data provider that suits their needs best. The only data feed available right after the installation is Free Quotes, free end-of-day historical daily data coming from Yahoo, Google and MSN (see Free Quotes). To connect to a live data feed a customer needs to have an account with any of data providers. Since MultiCharts supports multiple data vendors and multiple brokers it is important to understand that in MultiCharts data feed and broker connections are separate. To establish connection to a broker one should set up the corresponding broker profile in MultiCharts (see Broker Profiles). Data feed connection settings are configured in QuoteManager.

Note: When MultiCharts and QuoteManager are launched simultaneously it is important to make sure that MultiCharts is in online mode:
In the Main Menu select File, then click Preferences, go to the Data Server Mode tab, and check Online check box.
One is not able to receive data from a data vendor if the Offline mode is selected.
In the Offline mode neither MultiCharts, nor QuoteManager are able to receive data from a data source.

Operating Data Sources

This tool is used for managing data sources. It allows adding/removing data sources, editing their settings, names and abbreviations, receiving data source information, their states and versions.

Adding Data Sources

Data sources are added automatically. The system auto-adds a data source as soon as the data feed's DLL is placed in the DataFeeds folder.

This data source appears in the data sources list but it is still inactive.

To activate the data source press Activate button (see Activating Data Sources section).

Contact us to receive further information concerning the API for developers.

Activating Data Sources

Activation/deactivation is used to set the list of daily used data sources or for activating a newly added data source.

For full access the data source must be activated. If the data source is present in the list but marked in red, this data source must be activated.

To activate a Data Source:

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources QM DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click Activate. The data source is now marked in green and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters can now be edited.

Deactivating Data Sources

If a data source is not used, it can be deactivated. In this case, it will not be displayed in the list of available data sources when a symbol is added; if necessary, the data source can be reactivated later.

To deactivate a data source:

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources QM DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click Deactivate. The data source is now marked in red and the Settings, Name and Abbr parameters cannot be edited.

Configuring Data Sources

Most data sources have unique parameters, e.g. server IP address, port, user name/login information, etc. See the Built-in Data Sources section for more detailed descriptions.

All the parameters for the integrated data sources are described there.

To edit a data source's settings:

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources QM DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Settings button.

Cloning Data Sources

To use a data source with different sets of settings it must be cloned. Cloning creates a virtual copy of the data source with modified parameters.

For instance, to receive data from several DDE data vendors one needs to have several DDE templates.

In this case for every DDE data feed a unique data source must be created. If there are two DDE data feeds, Universal DDE and Universal DDE 2 must be created and a DDE template selected for each.


To clone a data source:

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources QM DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Clone button.
  4. Enter a Data Source Name (up to 3 characters).
  5. Enter a Data Source Abbr (up to 3 characters).
Note: Only Universal DDE data source can be cloned with different from original Universal DDE settings. All other data vendors will be simply duplicated and use the same connection settings.

Editing Data Sources

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources QM DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Edit button.

Deleting Data Sources

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Tools menu, click Data Sources, or click the Data Sources QM DataSources.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select the data source using the keyboard or mouse and click the Delete button.



Adding Symbol(s) to Symbol List

To start working with a symbol, the symbol must be added to the symbol list. Adding can be done manually or from a list, downloaded from the data vendor.

Adding symbols manually is appropriate when the exact symbol name is known and the list of symbols is not available from the data vendor. For instance, with DDE there is no way to download a list, and the user is supposed to know the exact name for the query.

In all other cases, adding symbols manually is not recommended, as parameters in addition to the symbol name may be required by the data vendor. When a symbol is added from a list, provided by the data vendor, all required parameters are set automatically.

For details on specific data vendor symbols, see Built-in Datafeeds

Adding Symbols in Manual Mode

To add a symbol:

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Symbol menu, select Add Symbol, then click Manually, or
    Click the Add Symbol QM addsymbol.png icon on the toolbar.
  3. Select a Data Source from the list. If the desired data vendor is not listed, it could be that the vendor is not installed. See Data Sources for additional information.
  4. Enter the Symbol name.
  5. Select the Category from the list.
  6. Select the Exchange from the list. If the desired exchange is not listed, see the Exchanges section.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Enter the symbol Root.
    Tip: Stock root is the same as the stock's name.
  9. Click OK to add symbol with current properties or set Symbol Properties.


Adding Symbol from Data Vendor Supplied List

To add a symbol:

  1. Open QuoteManager window
  2. On the Instrument menu, select Add Symbol.
  3. Select From Data Source.
  4. Choose a data source from the Data Source list; the Insert Symbols into Portfolio window will open.
    If a data vendor is not in the list:
    • data source does not support a symbol list (the symbol must be added manually)
    • data source is currently deactivated (the data source should be activated)
    • data source is not supported (Built-in Datafeeds should be used).
  5. Select a tab, corresponding to the type of symbol to be added.
  6. Enter all or part of the symbol name into the Symbol box and click Lookup.
    Note: Additional search options may be available depending on data source selected.
  7. Select the desired symbol(s).
  8. Click Add. A message that you have added it to your database should appear.
    Note: If there is a message “You must create *** exchange first”, it means that a symbol that is added has an exchange that is not in the list of exchanges in QuoteManager. All that you need to do is to add the required exchange to the list with correct corresponding abbreviation. The easiest way is to select an existing one and clone it putting the required abbreviation.
  9. Click Close or continue to search for symbols.
    Note: If necessary, Symbol Properties can be changed (not recommended).


Insert Symbols into Portfolio Window

Depending on the categories of instruments provided by a data vendor, the number of Category tabs in the Insert Symbols Into Portfolio window for each data source may vary.
If Stock/Index/Future/Bond/Commodity/Spread tab is selected, type the name of an instrument in the Symbol/Root field and click the Lookup button to find desired instrument.
If Option/Fund tab is selected, there is an extra field Category available. For options Stock Options or Futures Options can be selected. For funds Mutual Funds or Money Market Funds can be selected.

Note: It is possible to put * in search field and click the Lookup button to get all available instruments from server when you add instruments from: Dukascopy, eSignal, GlobalServer, IQFeed, IWBank QuickTrade, LMAX, MetaStock, GAIN Capital (ex. Open E Cry) (for Futures and Forex only), Patsystems, Rithmic 01, TradeStation (for Forex only).

Unique Features of Specific Data Sources in Insert Symbols into Portfolio Window

Interactive Brokers

When adding instruments from Interactive Brokers there is Cash tab instead of Forex. Enter the first currency of the instrument to search for all pairs starting with this currency. One can also specify the second currency of the symbol in Currency field on the tab to get the specific currency pair.
When adding futures contracts from Interactive Brokers, you can check Include Expired Contracts box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see Custom Futures).

IWBank QuickTrade

When adding Instruments from IWBank QuickTrade, you should enter the symbol name in the Symbol field, specify Category, select an Exchange from the list and click Search. There is no All Exchanges option in the Exchange list for IWBank QuickTrade.

TradeStation

When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check Include Expired Contracts box to get expired individual contracts to create Custom Futures in MultiCharts (see Custom Futures).
When adding futures contracts from TradeStation, you can check Show Electronic Contracts Only box.
When adding stocks/indexes/futures/options/funds from TradeStation, you can check select All Countries, United States or Germany in Country field.

Rithmic 01

In Search Options field Symbol, Symbol Root or Description can be selected. It is also possible to specify the Exchange, however it is not recommended since exchange names on data source end and in MultiCharts may slightly differ.

Troubleshooting

Establishing connection and processing data requests can be reviewed in the Event Log window of QuoteManager when a chart is plotted or data is requested from QuoteManager or Portfolio Trader.
Event Log is located at the bottom of QuoteManager by default. One can show/hide it by clicking View in QuoteManager main window and selecting Event Log.
If you experience any issues with incoming data, the first step is to check Event Log messages.