KeyBoard Trader

KeyBoard Trader

This MT4 EA is a FREE AS-IS project –

1. Note: This EA was developed using a UK Compact/Mini Keyboard - so no functions on NumLock Keys. Thoroughly test and accommodate for differences in layout when using a keyboard other than a UK keyboard.
2. I developed due to dissatisfied with key combination (Ctrl+Key, Alt+Key, etc.) in existing available free keyboard traders. All function of this EA are single key function, inclusive of those that are by default key combinations (Ctrl+T, Ctrl+A, etc).
3. I developed this some years ago with MT4 running on Linux Mint.
4. Note: For the benefit of newbies - there is no MQL4 code applicable specifically to Linux and this EA is not specifically coded for Linux - such, would be nonsense. This EA will run just fine on Windows 10 or 11 or, as some prefer, BG's shite.
5. This will install MT4 Terminal on Linux and automatically install and update Wine – https://www.metatrader4.com/en/tradi.../install_linux
6. Suggestion: If running more than one MT4 Terminal on Linux, open each terminal in a different workspace. The below image illustrates 5 work spaces.
7. Attached Image (click to enlarge)

   
   
8. Recently tested on Linux Mint 2.2, Windows 10 & 11
9. While all developed features tested on Linux work perfectly, the screenshot function (Button F) does not work on Windows 10 & 11 installation. The code is bog-standard code and the fault is not with the code. Should be some indicators around, if needed. Edit - forgot: The Font Bold function does not work in Linux due to OS difference in font specification.
10. I use Linux exclusively, and cannot be bothered with BG’s shite.

Pending available time – I may develop in MQL5 for MT5.

NOTE: ENSURE THE FOLLOWING AFTER INSTALLATION - SEE NEXT POST IMAGES*
* You have reached the maximum number of attachments allowed per post.

All instances of the Expert Advisor are of the same core KeyBoard Trader EA code.
What are the differences ?
Only - the default lot sizes allocated to the number keys 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0. This merely as convenience, according to lot preference or use.

Key Functions:
Note: All Key functions pertain to the relevant chart ‘symbol’.

Keys 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 : default or custom allocated lots.

Default Lot & LotStep Allocations

1. KBT_Micro: [ Keys 1-0 // 0.01–0.10 lots ] LotStep = 0.01 (or, Volume Step)
2. KBT_Mini: [ Keys 1-0 // 0.10–1.00 lots ] LotStep = 0.05
3. KBT_Lots_1-10: [ Keys 1-0 // 1.00–10.00 lots ] LotStep = 0.50
4. KBT_Lots_10-100: [ Keys 1-0 // 10.00-100.00 lots ] LotStep = 5.00
5. KBT_Lots_5-50: [ Keys 1-0 // 5.00-50.00 lots ] LotStep = 2.50
6. KBT_Lots-55-100: [ Keys 1-0 // 55.00-100.00 lots ] LotStep = 2.50

U : LotStep increment. (Volume step)
Y : LotStep decrement. (Volume Step)
Note: The LotsStep Increment/Decrement Value can be customised from the Inputs tab.

1. Other than default allocation, any Lot or LotStep, SL, TP etc., can be customised and saved via the Save button on the Inputs tab.
2. Saved customisation can be loaded via the Load button on the Inputs tab.
3. For ease of efficiency and organisation, incorporate the EA as component of a template.

M : 0.00 lots - Note: This is a safety feature – set Lots to zero when not trading to avoid fat finger accidentals.
}] : 0.01 lots – this is for testing (if required, for whatever reason) if trading at higher than micro lots. If a test is required, one does not want to open 100 lots to run a test. Use – as and when required or not at all. Go figure.

/? : Buy at Ask – open an order
,< : Sell at Bid – open an order

P : Buy Stop – pending order
L : Sell Stop – pending order
I : Buy Limit – pending order
J : Sell Limit – pending order

R : Reverse - all open orders
Z : Close All - open orders
B: Close All Buy - open orders
S: Close All Sell - open orders
C : Cancel All - pending orders

E : Move Stop Loss to Break Even (BE)
Note: Break Even Offset can be customised in the Inputs tab. Default = 0;
1) BUY & SELL Orders: if BE Offset = 0, BE = Order Open Price.
2) BUY Orders: if BE Offset > 0, BE = Order Open Price plus BE Offset in points.
3) SELL Orders: if BE Offset > 0, BE = Order Open Price less BE Offset in points.

A : Toggle On/Off AutoTrading
T : Toggle On/Off Terminal Window

F : Screenshot >> Broker Name – Symbol – Y.M.D – H:M:S.gif

Note: Button F – the screenshot function works perfectly on Linux, but fails on Windows 10 & 11. As previous mention, I cannot be bothered with Windows shite.
Check around there are screen capture indicators available.

Screenshot Location : This in Linux – Wine C Drive (Windows will be similar)
Note: For ease and speed of access individual MT4 Terminal Folders and File can be added to File Explorer Favourites, both in Linux and Windows.

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

KEY to Status Text

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

These separate values are easily remembered or figured out – the trade closed out on TP before I could get a screenshot – its bog straight forward.
4.00 : Lots
50 : SL in points
300 : TP in points
828.76* : Required Margin with respects to Lots Value x Leverage (base currency margin rate) x Exchange Rate (to deposit currency)*
101,292.64 : Account Equity
101,292.84 : Account Free Margin
** $0.0 : Account Profit.

** Account Deposit Currency: The EA should auto detect the following account deposit currencies: $, £, € and ¥.
Custom account deposit currency symbols - other than the above four auto detected currencies - can be set from the Input in Account Currency Symbol.

* NOTE: STRESS TRIGGER WARNING FOR THE UNEDUCATED:

1. If this margin value does not correspond to the margin value against the relevant lot value in the MT4 terminal (Ctrl+T, or, T for the EA), then your broker has not translated "Required Margin" from “Base Currency” to “Deposit Currency”.
2. Lets bounce that again - your broker has not translated "Required Margin" from “Base Currency” to “Deposit Currency”.
3. MT4/5 brokers are at liberty to set a whole range of terminal specifications to their own choosing – there is no central exchange standardisation.
4. MQL4/5 code can only read certain specifications as set by the broker.
5. To get around the broker's lazy sloppy shit requires some serious magic which has its own problems when distributing. F-it, while a welcomed free, charity is a bridge too far.
6. As a trader, you should know your craft and be able to calculate margins yourself to ascertain and verify correct values. But then again, some will conclude that they, along with their bag of weed, are going to burn the town. I don't doubt and applaud, but it's not for me.
7. Posts #4 & #5 https://www.trade2win.com/threads/ma...2/post-3268785
8. More advanced: https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...7#post13046957

If any errors are bought to light I will – pending available time – investigate correction. Though - I primary run Linux and not really interested in Windows 10 & 11 problem BS.

Downloads*: See next post

1. *subsequently additional features have been added see : KeyBoard Trader : https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...8#post15181148
2. Download Update: The last update - see #post 20: https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...7#post15187227

TEST THOROUGHLY ON DEMO

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

Note: EAs are tick reliant for operation. If testing in slow markets when ticks are slow (or closed markets, no ticks - limited operation testing), enlist the help of a free tick generator: MT4Ticker: https://fx1.net/mt4ticker.php

NOTE: ENSURE THE FOLLOWING AFTER EA INSTALLATION
Right-click chart > Expert Advisor >> Properties >> Common tab

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

Tools > Options > Expert Advisor tab

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

Location of origin.txt file

1. The origin.txt will reveal which broker is associated with the long Alpha Numerical Terminal Number.
2. The origin.tex file can be renames as BrokerA.txt, BrokerB.txt, etc.,etc., for ease of Identification.

This is the Linux file structure - Windows with be matching similar (start in C:>>Users >> ...)

Master thank you for sharing your trading tools, i like this idea but you may have explained all but practically it seems i don't understand its application, i have read through and i downloaded the KBT Micro version, i apply the expert to my expert folder, the expert is placing SL/TP, on trades i manually open with the mouse, the issue is how can i use my buttons to open a trade ? i am using windows 11, please kindly advice what am doing wrong?

You're welcome -
If the KBT_ EA is on the chart and 'enabled' (AutoTrading is On), and you want to trade with the mouse hit the 'A' button to disable AutoTrading.
The KBT_ EA is now non operational for trading but the KBT_ EA can still toggle On/Off AutoTrading (button A) and Terminal (button T)
Now (with AutoTrading disabled), when you take a trade with the mouse the KBT_ EA, SL &TP will not be placed.

If further trades wish to be taken with the KeyBoard Trader the AutoTading will have to be activated.

I may or may not look into eliminating the necessity to disable AutoTrading >> However, the KeyBoard Trader was developed for trading primary via the keyboard - not the mouse.
In other words - you use only buttons on the keyboard to place and close all trades: with the exception of closing individual trades.

Re - the issue is how can i use my buttons to open a trade ? (this EA has been tested as working in window 10 & 11)

1. First - Look at the two images above in previous posts and ensure your setting match the two images. (under, NOTE: ENSURE THE FOLLOWING AFTER EA INSTALLATION)
2. Second - ensure a number [1-0] button is pressed to select the required lot value (if lots is zero (0:00), the default setting, no trade will be opened).
3. Press the required button to open a Buy [ / ? ] or [ ? / ], whichever way you want to represent the Buy button.
4. Press the required button to open a Sell [< , ] or [ , < ], whichever way you want to represent the Sell button.
5. To close all trades on the chart, all Buys , all Sells, press the required button or use the mouse for individual trade closure.

Thank you very much Sir this info helps a lot, but please i am having a situation about lotsize, i downloaded KBT Micro to be able to start with 0.01 lotsize
the settings are your default starting from 0.01 -0.10, but if i use the assigned button to open a trade it will open with 0.10, information from EA is saying that 0.01 is lower than broker minimum please what can i do for EA to open with 0.01 ? if i use my mouse i can open 0.01 with the same broker

Regards - information from EA is saying that 0.01 is lower than broker minimum please what can i do for EA to open with 0.01 ? if i use my mouse i can open 0.01 with the same broker
This is nor making sense -
1, Give me a screenshot of the instrument specification as per attached image that shows, besides instrument: Minimum Volume, Maximum Volume, Volume Step - see red rectangle in image.
2. What broker are you using ?
3. What instrument are you trading ?
4. Are you testing on demo or live ?

2, FTM Broker name is above the screenshot, i attached, but my live is Fusion markets
3, i am testing it on USDJPY, but the same error apply to GBPUSD which is the pair i trade
4, am testing on testing on a demo account

1. Thank you.
2. The only reason you will receive the EA Alert is because the lot value is below the broker Minimum Volume.
3. Your image does not show as exampled with red rectangle in above previous image, Minimum Volume, Maximum Volume, Volume Step - see red rectangle in image.
4. However, as the instrument is USDJPY one can assume with almost 100% certainty that the Minimum Volume is 0.01 lots and the Volume Step is 0.01.
5. As per clause 2, the only reason you will receive the EA Alert is because the trade lot value (red rectangle) is below 0.01. see below images.
6. If you have the text off you will not know the status of the EA lot value.

Lots 0.0 below broker Minimum Volume: 0.01 - trade failure.

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

Lots at broker Minimum Volume: 0.01 - trade executed.

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

Added the following function applicable to Key G
[ for some reason in above post I called Keys, 'Buttons'. Too many irons in the fire. However, it should be quite clear what is implied ]

A Tick: represents the smallest price movement that a security can make in the market - in other words the smallest price movement = broker minimum Volume Step.
Note: EA are dependent on incoming ticks - states will only change when a tick has triggered a response to the Key press.
Note: EAs are tick reliant for operation. If testing in slow markets when ticks are slow (or closed markets, no ticks - limited operation testing), enlist the help of a free tick generator:
MT4Ticker: https://fx1.net/mt4ticker.php (works in Windows 10, 11 & Linux)

Key G, when pressed, will toggle text as below
Lots-SL-TP-Margin-Equity-Free Margin | Profit Lots-SL-TP-Margin | Profit Lots-SL-TP-Margin Blank
Lots-SL-TP-Margin-Equity-Free Margin | Profit etc., etc

SEE ABOVE - NOTE: ENSURE THE FOLLOWING AFTER EA INSTALLATION : https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...2#post15166782

Sir thank you for the clarification yes you are correct, but i still don't know what am doing wrong, i have checked the EA default settings to change it and make it like your example above i cant find, any where in the post above and in the default settings Please how to correct it? lot at broker minimum volume 0.01
6, text is on, in default

[ for some reason in above post I called Keys, 'Buttons'. Too many irons in the fire. However, it should be quite clear what is implied ]

I have replace the word 'Button' with 'Key'

Copy and past from precious post above

Button Functions:
Note: All button key functions pertain to the relevant chart ‘symbol’.

Buttons Keys 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 : default or custom allocated lots.

Default Lot & LotStep Allocations

1. KBT_Micro: Buttons 1-0 // 0.01–0.10 lots. // LotStep = 0.01 KBT_Micro: Keys 1-0 // 0.01–0.10 lots. Key 1 = 0.01 lots, Key 2 = 0.02 lots, etc.
2. KBT_Mini: Buttons 1-0 // 0.10–1.00 lots. // LotStep = 0.05
3. KBT_Lots_1-10: Buttons 1-0 // 1.00–10.00 lots. // LotStep = 0.50
4. KBT_Lots_10-100: Buttons 1-0 // 10.00-100.00 lots. // LotStep = 5.00
5. KBT_Lots_5-50: Buttons 1-0 // 5.00-50.00 lots. // LotStep = 2.50
6. KBT_Lots-55-100: Buttons 1-0 // 55.00-100.00 lots. // LotStep = 2.50

Key [ U ]: LotStep increment.
key [ Y ]: LotStep decrement.
Note: The LotsStep Increment/Decrement Value can be customised from the Inputs tab.

1. Other than default allocation, any Lot or LotStep, SL, TP etc., can be customised and saved via the Save button on the Inputs tab.
2. Saved customisation can be loaded via the Load button on the Inputs tab.
3. For ease of efficiency and organisation, incorporate the EA as component of a template.

Key [ M ]: 0.00 lots - Note: This is a safety feature – set Lots to zero when not trading to avoid fat finger accidentals.
Key [ }] ]: 0.01 lots – this is for testing (if required, for whatever reason) if trading at higher than micro lots. If a test is required, one does not want to open 100 lots to run a test. Use – as and when required or not at all. Go figure.

Key [ /? ]: Buy at Ask – open an order
Key [ ,< ]: Sell at Bid – open an order

R : Reverse - all open orders
Key [ Z ]: Close All - open orders (to close individual open orders use the mouse)
B: Close All Buy - open orders
S: Close All Sell - open orders
C : Cancel All - pending orders

Hint: [ M ] [ , < ] [ .> ] [ /? ]

This EA was developed on a UK KeyBoard

NOTE: ENSURE THE FOLLOWING AFTER EA INSTALLATION : https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...2#post15166782

hurrayy thank you Sir for your guidance and sharing this wonderful tools, i have figure it out, when i press the number 1 button or (key 1) the lotsize changed, but it took it few minutes late, this is why i was confused maybe due to server or internet, but with your further explanation and applying patience to watch it, i now know how the function works

Copy & Paste from previous post

1. A Tick: represents the smallest price movement that a security can make in the market - in other words the smallest price movement = broker minimum Volume Step.
2. Note: EA are dependent on incoming ticks - states will only change when a tick has triggered a response to the Key press.
3. Note: EAs are tick reliant for operation. If testing in slow markets when ticks are slow (or closed markets, no ticks - limited operation testing), enlist the help of a free tick generator:
4. MT4Ticker: https://fx1.net/mt4ticker.php (works in Windows 10, 11 & Linux)

thank you for your suggestions Sir, i have downloaded it, i saw sending ticks, maybe over time i will clearly understand its full use

A Tick: represents the smallest price movement that a security can make in the market - in other words the smallest price movement = broker minimum Volume Step.
MT4Ticker: https://fx1.net/mt4ticker.php (works in Windows 10, 11 & Linux)

MT4Ticker is a - free - tick generator:

1. A tick generator is a tool used in trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) to simulate tick-by-tick data for backtesting or analysis purposes.
2. Unlike real market ticks, which represent the smallest price movement of a trading instrument, a tick generator creates synthetic ticks based on historical data or predefined parameters.

Ignore: I want to try it

Linux: Updating Wine

Install updates in a timely manner

It is highly recommended to always use the latest versions of the operating system and Wine. Timely updates increase platform operation stability and improve performance.

To update Wine, open a command prompt and type the following command: sudo apt update ; sudo apt upgrade

source: MetaQuotes: https://www.metatrader4.com/en/trading-platform/help/userguide/install_linux

Trendline and Horizontal Line Alert

Location of Trendline and Horizontal Line tools
Alert Options:

1. OFF
2. Sound Only
3. PopUp
4. Mobile
5. PopUp & Mobile

Alert Modes

1. Once Per Bar
2. Every Price Cross

Note: Price is calculated as (Ask+Bid)/2 or middle of Spread.
If spread = 0, then (Ask+Bid)/2 = (Ask=Bid) or (1+1)/2 = 1. Go figure.

Downloads:

1. Trend_HLine_Alert_1.ex4: default setting - Alert Once Per Bar
2. Trend_Hline_Alert_X.ex4: default setting - Alert Every Price Cross

How to change the Alert sound (or other event sounds)

1. The default Alerts sound (alert.wav) is irritating - alert2.wav, other sound or added custom sound is more tolerable.

Select Events tab
Do not select a sound file from the Options/Event tab drop-down list - it will not work.
Click Choose other to open the Open window.
Select a sound file from the drop-down list in the below Open window
Note: the last sound file in the list is an added custom file - added custom files must be in .wav formate

Location of Sounds folder (this is on a Linux system but Windows will be similar - if unable to locate see internet, YouTube, ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek, etc., etc.

KeyBoard Trader: Update - Input text select options

Attached Image (click to enlarge)

Key G: Toggle text options

All key functions - post #1: https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...eyboard-trader

All instances of the Expert Advisor are of the same core KeyBoard Trader EA code.
The only difference is the default lot sizes allocated to the number keys 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0. This, merely as convenience, according to lot preference or use.

1. A Tick: represents the smallest price movement that a security can make in the market - in other words the smallest price movement = broker minimum Volume Step.
2. Note: EA are dependent on incoming ticks - states will only change when a tick has triggered a response to the Key press.
3. Note: EAs are tick reliant for operation. If testing in slow markets when ticks are slow (or closed markets, no ticks - limited operation testing), enlist the help of a free tick generator:
4. MT4Ticker: https://fx1.net/mt4ticker.php (works in Windows 10, 11 & Linux)

SEE ABOVE - NOTE: ENSURE THE FOLLOWING AFTER EA INSTALLATION : https://www.forexfactory.com/thread/...2#post15166782