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FAQ

PineConnector Docs
PineConnector Docs
Getting Started

Getting Started

Getting Started

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Welcome to PineConnector — let’s get you set up in no time!

If you have feedback, questions, or stuck, please feel free to chat with us! Chat with PineConnector Support →

Your Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Follow these steps to connect your TradingView alerts to MetaTrader using PineConnector:

1. Verify System Compatibility

Ensure your system meets the following requirements:

  • Supported Operating Systems:
    • Windows: 10 and 11
    • Windows Server: 2016, 2019, and 2022
  • MacOS Users:
    • While using the non-DLL EAs on MacOS is possible, it can be unstable. We strongly recommend using a Windows VPS for reliability.
    • Tip: For navigating your Windows VPS from a Mac, use the Windows App for the best experience. Need help with VPS setup? View our VPS Setup guide.
  • Unsupported Operating Systems:
    • Windows 8 or older (Please upgrade to Windows 10 or 11).
    • Windows Server 2012 or older (Please upgrade to Windows Server 2016 or newer).
    • MetaQuotes VPS (This VPS type is not compatible. Please use an alternative VPS provider, like the PineConnector VPS).
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Checking Your Windows Version Unsure which Windows version you're using?
  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type winver and press Enter or click OK. The "About Windows" box will display your Windows version and build number.
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Optimize Trading Speed with a VPS Achieve lower latency (as low as 1ms) and reduce trade execution delays by choosing a VPS located optimally for your broker.

Optimal VPS Location Checker → PineConnector VPS →

2. Confirm Your TradingView Plan

To send webhook alerts from TradingView, you need an Essential, Plus, Premium, Expert, Elite, or Ultimate TradingView plan.

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Using a TradingView Trial? If you are on a free trial of any paid TradingView plan (Essential or higher), webhook alert functionality is typically included, satisfying this requirement.
TradingView’s plans as of September 2023
TradingView’s plans as of September 2023

Check Your Current TradingView Plan →

3. Set Up the PineConnector EA on MetaTrader

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Prerequisite: Ensure you have registered for a PineConnector account and have your License ID ready. You can find your License ID in the PineConnector Portal.

With a compatible OS and the necessary TradingView plan, you're ready to install the PineConnector Expert Advisor (EA) on your MetaTrader terminal.

We strongly recommend using MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for the optimal PineConnector experience. Here’s why:

  • Industry Direction: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is being progressively phased out by MetaQuotes, the developers of both platforms.
  • Optimized for MT5: PineConnector EA is fully optimized for the MT5 environment, generally offering better performance, stability, and speed.
  • Focus on MT5: Our latest features, ongoing improvements, and primary support efforts are concentrated on the MT5 version of our EA.

While we still provide support for MT4, choosing MT5 will ensure you benefit from the latest advancements and the most robust performance. Please select the setup guide appropriate for your trading platform below. If your broker offers MT5, we encourage you to use it.

Quick start (1)

4. Send Your First Test Alert

After installing the PineConnector EA, it's crucial to send a test alert. This verifies your connection, ensures parameters are processed correctly, and helps you get familiar with the workflow before live trading.

Test Alert Guide →

Quick Test Example:

We recommend sending a simple buy order for EURUSD.

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License ID Your License ID is the long integer indicated in your PineConnector Portal.
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  • Use the following syntax format: LicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1
  • Replace LicenseID with your actual ID. For example, if your License ID is 6161199464661, the alert message would be: 6161199464661,buy,EURUSD,risk=1
  • If successful, a 1-lot buy position for EURUSD should open in your MetaTrader terminal.

5. Understand PineConnector Syntax

Syntax refers to the specific format of your alert messages, which tells the PineConnector EA what actions to take (e.g., open a trade, set a stop-loss). Mastering the syntax is key to effective automation.

Syntax Guide →

Key Syntax Components to Learn First:

  • Market Order Commands: buy, sell
  • Common Parameters:
    • sl= (stop-loss)
    • tp= (take-profit)
    • risk= (volume/risk management)

Try Sending These Test Alerts: Experiment with different symbols available in your MetaTrader terminal's Symbol List.

  • YourLicenseID,buy,GBPUSD,risk=1
  • YourLicenseID,buy,BTCUSD,risk=1
  • YourLicenseID,buy,US100,risk=1

Add a stop-loss (SL):

  • YourLicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,sl=30 (e.g., 30 pips SL)

Add a take-profit (TP) – parameters like sl= and tp= can be in any order after the symbol:

  • YourLicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,tp=50
  • YourLicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,sl=30,tp=50

Try a different command:

  • YourLicenseID,sell,EURUSD,risk=1

6. Explore EA Options (Inputs Tab)

The PineConnector EA has various input settings (accessible via F7 on the chart) that control how signals are processed, allowing for flexible strategy implementation with minimal or no coding directly in your alerts.

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Encountering Errors? During familiarization, you might see errors like 130 (MT4) or 4756 (MT5). Refer to our Error Guide for troubleshooting. If issues persist, don't hesitate to chat with us!

EA Options Guide →

Frequently Used EA Options to Explore:

  • Target Type: (How sl= and tp= are interpreted – Pips, Price, Percentage)
  • Volume Type: (How risk= is interpreted – Lots, Dollar Amount, Percentage of Balance, etc.)
  • Close on Reverse: (How the EA handles opposing signals)
  • Pyramiding: (Rules for opening multiple positions on the same symbol)

Experiment by changing these settings in the EA and sending test alerts to observe how trade execution is affected.

7. Implement a Sample Strategy: SuperTrend

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We highly recommend implementing the SuperTrend Strategy as a practical way to learn strategy automation with PineConnector. Alternatively, for a more advanced example, consider the Machine Learning: Logistic Regression Strategy (it’s less complex than it sounds!).
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I'm not a programmer. Do I need to understand Pine Script™ to automate a strategy like SuperTrend using PineConnector?

Not to get started! Many indicators like SuperTrend are freely available in TradingView's "Community Scripts," and you can create alerts directly from their visual plots. Our guides show how to do this without coding. While knowing some Pine Script™ is helpful for customization or creating complex unique conditions, it's not a prerequisite to automate many common indicators with PineConnector.

The SuperTrend strategy is a popular trend-following system, excellent for understanding how PineConnector automates signals. It's versatile for various trading styles, from short-term scalping to longer-term approaches. This hands-on exercise provides a solid foundation for your automation journey.

SuperTrend Strategy Implementation Guide →

8. Activate Tasks & Set Up Telegram Notifications (Recommended)

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This step is optional but highly recommended for monitoring your automation.
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During your 14-day trial (and with paid plans), you have access to Premium Tasks like "Signal Error" and "Connection Lost" notifications. These alert you to issues such as insufficient margin, invalid volume, EA disconnections (e.g., terminal closed, internet loss), and more.

We advise activating both "Signal Error" and "Connection Lost" tasks. While email notifications are available, Telegram is highly recommended for speed and convenience.

Activate Tasks →

If you need any help, here are some useful documentation links about Tasks:

  1. Tasks
  2. Telegram Setup

9. Set Up a Secret Key for Enhanced Security (Recommended)

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This step is optional but recommended for an added layer of security.

The Signal Authentication feature uses a "secret key" to ensure that only signals originating from your authorized TradingView alerts are processed by your MetaTrader terminal.

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If the Secret Key is optional, does that mean my signals are insecure without it?

Your signals are already secured by your unique License ID, which prevents unauthorized use. The Secret Key provides an additional layer of security. It ensures that even in the unlikely event your License ID is exposed, signals would still require this matching Secret Key to be processed by your EA. It’s an extra safeguard for maximum peace of mind, particularly if you manage multiple trading accounts or trade with a large capital.

If enabled in the PineConnector Portal, you must add this secret key to your alert message syntax.

  • Example Syntax: YourLicenseID,command,symbol,risk=1,secret=YourSecretKey
  • If your License ID is 6161199464661 and your secret key is PineApple, the syntax becomes: 6161199464661,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,secret=PineApple
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  • Note: The Secret Key is case-sensitive. pineapple or PINEAPPLE would not be accepted if the key is PineApple.

In the following example, we have added PineApple as the secret key.

10. Configure Your TradingView Scripts and Alerts

Once you're comfortable with the EA options and PineConnector syntax, it's time to set up your own TradingView indicators/strategies and create the corresponding webhook alerts.

If you've implemented the SuperTrend strategy, consider enhancing it, exploring community scripts on TradingView, or developing your own unique systems!

Helpful Alert Setup Guides:

11. Fine-Tune, Monitor, and Grow

Getting started is just the beginning! True progress in automated trading comes from ongoing refinement, monitoring, and adaptation.

  • Monitor Your System: Regularly check the PineConnector Signal Logs (in the Portal) and your MetaTrader "Experts" and "Journal" tabs to ensure smooth operation.
  • Adjust as Needed: Experiment with EA settings (risk levels, volume types, etc.) and syntax parameters to optimize for your strategy.
  • Evolve Your Strategy: Continuously revisit your TradingView scripts and alert conditions. Small tweaks can lead to significant improvements.

Initially, you'll naturally want to monitor things closely. As you build confidence in your setup, you can allow the automation to handle more, freeing up your time. Trading is dynamic, and PineConnector is built to adapt with you. Keep testing, learning, and evolving your system!

Always remember, if you have feedback, questions, or stuck, please feel free to chat with us! Chat with PineConnector Support →

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How can we improve the Getting Started Guide?