Ensign Software - Charts: Seconds charts, IB, dacharts

Q: Can you set second charts in Ensign, say 5 or 7 or 10 second charts? Can you apply all indicators to these charts?

A: The current version of Ensign can do Seconds charts. We also do have constant tick, constant volume, and constant range charts which will have a variable amount of time. We also do minute based charts, daily, weekly and monthly charts. All indicators can be applied to all charts. Click here for an example of a Seconds chart.

Q: Also, I'm just on the verge of opening up an IB account, then run IB data through Ensign Software for charting purposes- my question is pretty basic, when you have IB data running through Ensign can you put the TWS trading platform on same screen.

A: TWS and Ensign would typically be on the same computer, and can be on the same screen. I have my TWS minimized most of the time so the screen space is used entirely by Ensign. I can normalize the TWS when I want to see or use it. Ensign connects to the TWS to get the IB data feed.

Q: I notice in dacharts site a large number of studies and chart examples as well as specified template for Ensign- there seems to be a close tie between Ensign and dacharts (which looks like a great site) and I'm wondering if all the listed chart study and examples are available in template form- thing like the various swing and chop chart samples just as an example- there's so many interesting ones of them, can they all be downloaded as templates to study on?

A: Dacharts is not associated with Ensign. However, many Ensign users upload their chart images to the dacharts site. We appreciate the generosity of the owners of the dacharts site for making space available for traders to be able to have a site to post their charts.

I doubt that all that is posted is also make available as a template to be downloaded. However, that said, many of the patrons who post also share their templates. Many of these templates are on the dacharts site and can be downloaded. Also, on the Ensign web site we have many templates from users. Click Internet Services button and see the listing in the Template drop down box on the Download tab of Internet Services form.

Q: Also, IB data versus eSignal data- is there a difference in reliability or quality between them? IB certainly seems better cost of course. Also, if you were looking at constant volume or tick or momentum charts would there be.difference as its indicated IB bundles data differently than eSignal? If you were running IB data through Ensign on a typical day would you expect to lose data connection at some points from IB end or is it pretty reliable? Guess I'm asking if this happens a lot.

A: Both feeds are reliable. However IB has had a brief recent spat of server problem that created some disconnects for users in the middle of April, 2006. Things appear to be back to their normal reliable self. IB does bundle ticks differently. At times, IB users report getting ticks sooner than eSignal. eSignal, however, will have more ticks. Either would be a great feed for trading your account.

Q: And, on the constant momentum charts, it's stated phantom bars are inserted where needed. My question is if you were putting indicators on a constant momentum chart that had some phantom bars in it does Ensign take the hi and lows of those bars into consideration in calculating real time or is only the values of recognizable nongap bars calculated? because it seems if the phantom bars are or are not included in calculations that could be an important factor.

A: Most studies are using the bar close for the data point. The close values from the inserted bars is run through the formulas like any other close. Phantom bars ARE included in all calculations of all studies. For example, a moving average will flow smoothly across the phantom bar area treating them as real bars.

Q: Finally, sorry,another really basic question, what is refresh data all about? If you're running a chart with real time IB data say, do you have to refresh constantly or is that only when you change charts.

A: If you are on-line you would not refresh. Refresh is only needed to fill in missing data, or to acquire back data for a new chart.