11-17-2006 Uploaded Initial Versions:
How to Use the EA
How to Optimize EA for Specific Pairs

11-18-2006 Loading Historical Data Issues
I was having some issues getting historical data to load into my testing version of MT4(200). It would not load any *.hst files. I found that the file type dropdown box HAS TO SAY filetype(*.hst). It CANNOT SAY filetype(*.*). It wont work. D

11-19-2006 Alpari DataBank Location & Optimization
There appears to be some confusion about this. In Order to effectively backtest and optimize settings you must use a version of MT4 that is OFFLINE. (Please refer to the FAQ below"Phoenix How to get Modeling Quality 90"
This is so that automatic history downloads do not corrupt your testing data.

"The history Center is not allowing me to import Alpari Historical Data."
There is a bug in the history importer requiring you to choose a filetype of *.hst instead of *.*.

You must be using a disconnected version of MT4. If you are using a live version your history data will become polluted.



Alpari has changed their databank location with the reshuffling of their website. The new Location is here:
http://www.alpari-idc.ru/en/dc/databank.php

Here's an alternate link to the UK Alpari History Centre:

http://www.alpari.co.uk/en/dc/databank.html

and the US History Centre:

http://www.alpari-idc.com/en/dc/databank.html


WHAT SETTINGS ARE AFFECTED BY PREFSETTINGS?
Mode2_OpenTrade_2 = 0;
Mode2_TakeProfit = 50;
Mode2_StopLoss = 60;


Mode3_CloseTrade2_3 = 30;
Mode3_TakeProfit = 100;
Mode3_StopLoss = 55;

Percent = 0.0032;
EnvelopePeriod = 2;

TakeProfit = 42;
StopLoss = 84;
TrailingStop = 0;
SMAPeriod = 2;
SMA2Bars = 18;
OSMAFast = 5;
OSMASlow = 22;
OSMASignal = 2;

Fast_Period = 25;
Slow_Period = 15;
DVBuySell = 0.0029;
DVStayOut = 0.024;

all of these settings are INSIDE the code. if PrefSettings=true these settings are used. If PrefSettings=False then your own settings are used.
For Optimization and backtesting PrefSettings=False. for Live or Demo/Testing prefsettings=True.



For even more information see post #4.

Attached Files

	Phoenix-2007_ultimate-guide_v2.pdf (518.8 KB, 1864 views)
	Phoenix-2007-How-To-Optimize-phoenix.pdf (363.8 KB, 1185 views)
	phoenix-how-convert-time-settings.pdf (80.3 KB, 803 views)
	how-get-modelling-quality-90-when-testing-ea-mt4.pdf (331.3 KB, 956 views)

Absolutly a great initiative...

1-29-07 Updated downloads with most current version. Posted by Pcontour in #119 of this thread.

Lets get started!
I think the following information would be useful in the first post:
Phoenix 4 & 5 settings and features, written by Hendrick:
Phoenix-2007_ultimate-guide_v2.pdf

Finding Optimization Settings for Expert Agents, with Phoenix as an example. Written by VinceTheBeast:
Phoenix-2007-How-To-Optimize-phoenix.pdf

Quick guide to Phoenix:
Phoenix is a counter trend EA that depends on specialized settings for each currency pair. It is recommended to use M15 timeframe unless your settings file says otherwise. Do not run Phoenix without settings for your currency. If you have consecutive losses for a currency pair, you probably need updated settings for that currency.

Current Status:
Phoenix does not have a completely stable version yet. 5.6.3 in Mode 1 is used by many people profitably, but mode 2 and mode 3 have issues introduced from patches. A new version is expected by Nov 18.

How you can help:
Please use Phoenix and post detailed results! Looking at the statements is necessary for the developers to make Phoenix more consistent. Please include information about which timeframe, broker, and settings were used (default in phoenix, or any changes, etc). Money Management settings are also of interest, but not actively under development.
Try out new versions as they are released and give us your feedback!
Review the code and offer suggestions, read our development forum and provide detailed feedback to developers on specific proposals.

Please use this thread for all of your general (non programming) questions about settings, files, guides, results, etc. Post #1-5 will be updated regularly so reading the entire thread is not necessary.

Attached Files

	The Ultimate Guide for Phoenix V3.doc (405.5 KB, 730 views)
	How to optimize Phoenix_5.7.2a.doc (223.0 KB, 569 views)

Few FAQ's:

When you are referring to Msg#, which thread you are talking about?
- http://www.forex-tsd.com/expert-advi...ew-thread.html

Where do I get the latest version of EA?
- stable version, first post of this thread
- beta version’s: http://www.forex-tsd.com/expert-advi...-post-1-a.html

I’ve never done this before. How do I start EA?
- Quick steps are in msg# 597, but more detailed steps are attached in first msg here. (Ultimate guide)

What is the difference betwen Mode 1, 2 and 3?
- Read the ‘Ultimate Guide” attachment in the first msg of this thread.

What is the best time frame for this EA?
- although you are welcome to try them all, and post results, so far, it is used on 15M charts.

Is ph0enix still Using TimeFrame 15MIN ?
- yes

After I place EA on 15M chart, can I later change time frame?
- No. Read msg# 644

What setting should I use? Where I can find settings file?
- For start use default settings which are already in the code. But if you want to try different settings, check this URL: Settings Files

Here you can find Live Testing reports: Live Testing reports

What is the meaning of functions: TrailingStop, BreakEven and CloseAfterhours in Phoenix 5?
- Read msg# 482 and attached files

I want to use mine own settings for lot’s, but EA don’t let me.
- If MM is on, Phoenix will decide the size of the lots. If you want to use different number of lots, turn MM off (false).

Why different testers gets different results?
- Different brokers have different quality of demo data. Different brokers will act different on your live orders. There are different spreads… Some brokers will trade against you… Read msg# 775

Should I keep computer running 24/5? Will EA work when I close MT4?
- Yes, the best is to keep computer running. Read msg# 551

Which brokers don’t trade against you? Which are the best brokers for this EA?
- Hopefully our testing and sharing data and info will help us find out answers in the future.

I'm trading with 12 pip and 11 pip spread. Will this EA work?
- You are trading with big disadvantage, change your broker.

Can I use original Contest version if I have micro account?
- No. Use higher version instead. Read msg# 935, 944, 948, 924, 523

Contest? What contest? And what contest version?
- Contest: http://championship.mql4.com/2006/participants
- Contest version: http://championship.mql4.com/2006/users/Hendrick

Do I need the currencies history in order to run Phoenix, or it's only for testing purposes...
- History is only needed for backtesting. You can run Phoenix on a real or demo account without history.

EA have bad day today. Should I manually cancel the orders?
- If you use it on live account, why not, protect your money. But if you are using demo, no, let it go. Let’s see what it does. You may even be surprised.

Backtesters, be avare of build200:

After I’ve updated my MT4 to build200 I have some problems in strategy tester (not allowed to use “From” and “To” for setting time period)
- Read msg# 960

MT4 B200 don't let you use external history data (Alpari). The one, that MT4 B200 uses is not so good. Backtesting results will be different and worse. Don't upgrade MT4 for backtesting. Rather use previous version B198.

If you want to see Buy/Sell signals, use attached fille: Phoenix5 plotting buy sell signals.mq4 - don't forget, to compare Phoenix settings with the one in Indicator, they need to be the same - enter settings you have in Phoenix into Indicator.

Attached Files

	Phoenix - how-to-convert-time-settings.pdf (80.3 KB, 285 views)
	How to get a Modelling Quality of 90% when testing EA in MT4.pdf (331.3 KB, 284 views)
	How to get a Modelling Quality of 99% when testing EA in MT4.doc (342.5 KB, 476 views)
	How_to_Optimize_Phoenix_5.7.2a.doc (223.0 KB, 168 views)

Let's go, new bi, for the questions...

Hi buddies,

Please pay attention if you are using the Build200 and download historical data directly from the server.

I have d/l the USDJPY 1minute data, about 118Mb and did some conversion. However, after backtest, I found there is no trade between 2006/09/27 to 2006/11/15. Therefore, I just get back to check the 1minute data.

Guess what's happening? Data between 2006/09/27 to 2006/11/15 are missing. See my attached picture.

Does anyone have the same observation? Maybe it is not appropriate at the present moment to use the data directly from the MT4's data centre.

P.S. I am not sure whether I should this topic here or in the original "Phoenix (New thread)"

Regards
Wilson
backtestdata.JPG

__________________

There are more issues with B200. It is not suitable for use for backtesting. Data is different - worse - and results of backtesting don't reflect reality. I've already posted warning into FAQ above.

Mario

Hi,

I have spent a lot of time studying Phoenix and setting it up. One setting I do not fully understand is "UsePrefSettings". Which prefs is it referring to when set to true, and why should it be "true" for forward testing and live, and "false" for back testing? I have read both the original manual and the optimization guide, but I still have problems with this.

I have run optimization and ended up with a .set file I want to use for forward testing. Should "UsePrefSettings" be true or false in this case?

Help greatly appreciated.

__________________
//C

Basically, to avoid file with settings, most settings are included into the code. PrefSettings=true is like 'point and shoot' digital camera. All settings included, will work automatically, don't worry for darkness, speed of the object.... just use it.

When backtesting, then you will need to change and play with many settings, while looking for best result, so you are turning off your automatic point and shoot camera and you are start using manual settings. Hence PrefSettings=false

More about settings: "The ultimate Guide2" starting page 8.

Oh, just remembered. First manual, for Forex 2007 (contest) there was sentence, that for forward testing/live trading you *have* to have set PrefSettings on true. I'm not sure if this was ment as *have to* or was only ment for most cases. I believe, you can turn PrefSettings off if you wish, using your own settings for forward testing. Let me correct someone if I'm wrong.

Two more people asked on a Yahoo thread what PrefSettings should be and what it does. I posted this reply:
Can we get a *very thorough* explanation of PrefSettings written up to be included in the top 5 posts of this forum please?