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USER GUIDE

OVERVIEW

These scripts are the hotkeys I use in DAS Trader for active, discretionary day trading. They focus on fast, repeatable order entry with guard rails and are designed around a single active symbol at a time. I treat the ice breaker (Buy IB) entries as the first test of a trade thesis; while DAS allows multiple positions, these hotkeys assume one symbol and may behave unpredictably otherwise.

These scripts are designed for LONG positions only. Shorting is not supported.

Repository structure: the hotkeys/ folder contains the .das hotkey scripts, keymap.yaml defines the key bindings and metadata, and other scripts/ contains support scripts like the timer. A .das file is plain text you can paste into the DAS Trader Script Editor. The keymap.yaml can be compiled into a Hotkey.htk using the DAS Hotkey Tools VS Code extension, or you can skip the compiler and copy the scripts manually.

These scripts assume you have a primary montage window named Primary_OE (Primary Order Entry). If that montage name does not exist, many scripts will fail or behave incorrectly. You can reference my DAS Trader desktop and chart settings here: https://github.com/madiver/DASTraderConfig

Regardless of the method you choose, the timer script must be installed manually in DAS Trader under "Timer Event Scripts," and the chart script must be installed manually under the chart "Scripting" section (see details below). I also recommend adding ExecHotKey("Set Global Variables"); to your Desktop Load Scripts so globals are initialized every time DAS starts.

QUICK START

  1. Build or import hotkeys:
    • Use the DAS Hotkey Tools VS Code extension to compile keymap.yaml into Hotkey.htk, then load it in DAS, or
    • Copy/paste the .das scripts into DAS manually.
  2. If you use the VS Code extension, set these settings first:
    • dasHotkeyTools.outputPath (required).
    • dasHotkeyTools.liveAccount and dasHotkeyTools.simulatedAccount for %%LIVE%% / %%SIMULATED%% substitution.
    • Optional: dasHotkeyTools.placeholders.failOnMissing to block builds when placeholders are unresolved.
  3. Ensure your montage is named Primary_OE, the timer script other scripts/timer.das is installed under Timer Event Scripts, and the chart script other scripts/chart_1m.das is installed as a 1-minute Chart Script.
  4. Run switch_to_sim.das or switch_to_live.das to set the montage account and filters.
  5. Run set_global_variables.das to initialize globals.
  6. Use show_config.das to confirm account mode, defaults, and guard states.

Important: update $TRSIM and $LIVEACT in hotkeys/set_global_variables.das with your actual account identifiers if they are not already populated (they are shown in the config display for reference). $applyLiveGuardsToSim controls whether the live-only guards (hijack, rehab) also apply in SIM; it defaults to 1. Set it to 0 if you want those guards to run only in LIVE. Also verify that any %%SIMULATED%% and %%LIVE%% placeholders have been replaced in the SIM/LIVE switch scripts (the VS Code extension handles this during build; if you copy scripts manually, you must replace them yourself).

By default ($useTimerArming = 1), a buy hotkey sends the limit order, records entry context, and returns immediately. A timer-driven handler then waits for a fill and arms stop loss / take profit on subsequent 1-second ticks. If position size increases on later ticks, the handler cancels existing sell orders, re-arms the stop, and only re-arms TP when the TP reset conditions are met. If no fill appears within $entryMaxTicks, the handler cancels the working buy order and clears the pending state. If $useTimerArming = 0, the buy hotkey polls for a fill up to $maxPolls * $pollMs; if nothing fills, the order is canceled and the script exits without arming any protection. If a partial fill meets $minFillShares, the remainder is canceled (when enabled) and the scripts proceed as if the trade is active, using the average entry price for subsequent calculations.

Stops are placed as STOP/SLP orders routed to the broker, which means the stop logic lives on the broker side once submitted. Take-profit is implemented with DAS alerts that fire when price reaches the configured R target and then execute the Take Profit hotkey; those alerts are client-side and require DAS to remain open with live data.

GLOBAL VARIABLES

All core settings live in hotkeys/set_global_variables.das. If you change a value, rerun "Set Global Variables" so the globals refresh in DAS.

Variables by category:

Runtime counters and modes:

  • $oneSecondScriptCnt: internal counter used by other scripts/timer.das.
  • $rehab: enables rehab mode to block scale-ins and larger entries in LIVE (and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1).
  • $HIJACKED_LOCKED: runtime lock set when hijack protection triggers.
  • $singlePositionSymbol: runtime symbol tracked by the single-position guard.
  • $trade_ok: runtime flag set by Check Global Guards for buy hotkeys.
  • $testMode: when set to 1, buy hotkeys exit after non-market guards (no order sent).

Feature toggles and entry guards:

  • $useSlippageMargin: enables the stop-vs-bid margin check in buy scripts.
  • $slipTicksMin: minimum tick margin for slippage checks.
  • $slipSpreadFrac: fraction of spread added to the slippage margin.
  • $acceptPartial: allows partial fills within the polling window.
  • $minFillShares: minimum shares to accept when partial fills are allowed.
  • $cancelRemainderOnPartial: cancels the unfilled remainder before arming stops.
  • $usePerTradeRiskCap: blocks entries if projected net risk to the planned stop exceeds $riskCapDollars.
  • $useSpreadCheck: enables spread-vs-R safety checks before entries.
  • $pegToBid: when enabled, BE limit sells can peg to bid instead of AvgCost.
  • $hijackProtection: enables the position-size hijack backstop (LIVE, and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1).
  • $applyLiveGuardsToSim: when set to 1 (default), apply hijack and rehab guards in SIM.
  • $singlePositionGuard: when set to 1 (default), block new entries on a different symbol (script-tracked).
  • $useAutoStop: toggles auto stop placement.
  • $useTakeProfit: toggles take-profit alerts/executor behavior.
  • $resetStopOnCancel: re-arms the stop after cancel_all.das if long.
  • $useTimerArming: uses timer-based entry arming (1) or inline polling (0).

Risk and execution:

  • $entryOffset: bid/ask offset for the "plus" entry scripts.
  • $exitOffset: bid offset for Bid- sells and non-dynamic stop-limit offsets.
  • $orderRoute: limit order route for entries/exits (buys/sells/TP/BE). Default is ARCAL. FREEL is the free route for ST Global Market/Open Ocean.
  • $stopLossTrigger: fixed 1R risk per share (used when dynamic stops are off).
  • $takeProfitFactor: R multiple for take-profit alerts.
  • $takeProfitSize: fraction of the position to sell on a TP trigger.
  • $takeProfitSizeRehab: TP fraction when rehab is active (LIVE; SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1).

Dynamic stop settings (buy_ib only):

  • $stopMode: selects stop logic ("FIXED", "DYNAMIC", or "STRUCTURED").
  • $dynamicStop: enables spread-based R for buy IB entries.
  • $dynamicStopMult: multiplier for the spread-based R.
  • $dynamicStopActive: runtime flag set when a dynamic trade is active.
  • $dynamicStopR: stored dynamic R used for stops and TP during the trade.

Structured stop settings (buy_ib only):

  • $structuredMaxLookback: max bars to scan for the impulse.
  • $structuredMaxPullback: max bars to evaluate the pullback.
  • $structuredBuffer: stop buffer below the rejection/pullback low.
  • $structuredMaxStop: max allowed stop distance (R).
  • $structuredMinImpulse: minimum impulse body size.
  • $structuredMinClearance: minimum clearance above stop.
  • $structuredMicroTolPct: micro pullback tolerance (fraction of impulse body).
  • $structuredMicroTolMax: cap for micro tolerance (absolute).
  • $structuredMicroExt: max extension above impulse high before abort.
  • $structuredOk: last structured validation result (1=pass, 0=fail).
  • $structuredReason: last structured failure code.
  • $structuredReasonText: last structured failure reason string.
  • $structuredType: "MICROPB" or "STDPB" on pass.
  • $structuredStop: last structured stop price.
  • $structuredR: last structured R distance.
  • $structuredSymbol: symbol used for the last structured check.

Account tokens:

  • $TRSIM: SIM account identifier.
  • $LIVEACT: LIVE account identifier.

Sizing and risk limits:

  • $qtyMult: position size multiplier.
  • $maxPositionSize: maximum total position size in shares.
  • $riskCapDollars: maximum projected net risk per trade in dollars.

Order fill polling:

  • $pollMs: polling interval in milliseconds.
  • $maxPolls: maximum number of polls before canceling an unfilled order. These are used when $useTimerArming = 0.

Timer-based entry arming (runtime):

  • $entryPending, $entryStage, $entryTicks, $entryMaxTicks: timer state and timeout for arming stops/TP after fills. When the timeout is reached, the handler cancels the working buy order.
  • $entrySymbol, $entryPosBefore, $entryAvgBefore, $entryScaleIn, $entryDynR: captured entry context used by the timer handler.
  • $entryRefPx: entry reference price used as a fallback for stop placement when AvgCost lags.
  • $entryWatch, $entryLastPos: track position size changes so the handler can re-arm stops/TP when size increases.

Defaults table

Defaults are pulled from hotkeys/set_global_variables.das and reflect the baseline values when you run "Set Global Variables."

Category Variable Default
Runtime $oneSecondScriptCnt 0
Runtime $rehab 0
Runtime $useTimerArming 1
Runtime $timerMode 1
Runtime $entryPending 0
Runtime $entryStage 0
Runtime $entryTicks 0
Runtime $entryMaxTicks 10
Runtime $entryPosBefore 0
Runtime $entryAvgBefore 0
Runtime $entryScaleIn 0
Runtime $entryDynR 0
Runtime $entrySymbol ""
Runtime $tpSymbol ""
Runtime $entryRefPx 0
Runtime $HIJACKED_LOCKED 0
Runtime $singlePositionSymbol ""
Runtime $trade_ok 1
Runtime $testMode 0
Runtime $entryWatch 0
Runtime $entryLastPos 0
Toggles $useSlippageMargin 1
Toggles $slipTicksMin 2
Toggles $slipSpreadFrac 0.25
Toggles $acceptPartial 1
Toggles $minFillShares 1
Toggles $cancelRemainderOnPartial 1
Toggles $usePerTradeRiskCap 1
Toggles $useSpreadCheck 1
Toggles $pegToBid 0
Toggles $hijackProtection 1
Toggles $applyLiveGuardsToSim 1
Toggles $singlePositionGuard 1
Toggles $useAutoStop "Yes"
Toggles $useTakeProfit "Yes"
Toggles $resetStopOnCancel "Yes"
Risk $entryOffset 0.03
Risk $exitOffset 0.10
Risk $orderRoute "ARCAL"
Risk $stopLossTrigger 0.10
Risk $takeProfitFactor 1.0
Risk $takeProfitSize 0.25
Risk $takeProfitSizeRehab 0.50
Dynamic stop $dynamicStop 0
Dynamic stop $stopMode "FIXED"
Dynamic stop $dynamicStopMult 2
Dynamic stop $dynamicStopActive 0
Dynamic stop $dynamicStopR 0
Structured stop $structuredMaxLookback 5
Structured stop $structuredMaxPullback 3
Structured stop $structuredBuffer 0.01
Structured stop $structuredMaxStop 0.40
Structured stop $structuredMinImpulse 0.15
Structured stop $structuredMinClearance 0.05
Structured stop $structuredMicroTolPct 0.25
Structured stop $structuredMicroTolMax 0.10
Structured stop $structuredMicroExt 0.10
Structured stop $structuredOk 0
Structured stop $structuredReason 0
Structured stop $structuredReasonText ""
Structured stop $structuredType ""
Structured stop $structuredStop 0
Structured stop $structuredR 0
Structured stop $structuredSymbol ""
Accounts $TRSIM "%%SIMULATED%%"
Accounts $LIVEACT "%%LIVE%%"
Sizing $qtyMult 6
Sizing $maxPositionSize 500
Limits $riskCapDollars 100.00
Polling $pollMs 100
Polling $maxPolls 20

Test mode: set $testMode = 1 to run buy hotkeys through non-market guard checks only (no order is sent). Use this for off-hours validation of lock states and guard logic. Test mode and the test toggles are SIM-only.

Use "Show Config" to view the current runtime values.

KEY BINDINGS

Key bindings are sourced from keymap.yaml. I primarily use these with a Stream Deck, so bindings can be arbitrarily long because the Stream Deck lets me send complex keystrokes with a single button press. If you are using a keyboard, you will almost certainly want to modify the bindings to your liking. "Unbound" means the script is not assigned to a hotkey in the current map, and those entries are primarily intended for internal use by other scripts rather than direct invocation.

Key binding Script Description
Ctrl+Shift+Q hotkeys/cancel_all.das Cancel orders, clear TP alerts, re-arm stops.
Alt+Ctrl+Q hotkeys/gtfo.das Emergency exit: cancel orders, sell full at bid-0.50.
Ctrl+, hotkeys/set_global_variables.das Load default globals.
Alt+Ctrl+S hotkeys/switch_to_sim.das Switch montage and filters to SIM.
Alt+Ctrl+L hotkeys/switch_to_live.das Switch montage and filters to LIVE.
Alt+Ctrl+. hotkeys/show_config.das Show current globals, account mode, guard states.
Unbound hotkeys/check_global_guards.das Run guard checks and set $trade_ok.
Unbound hotkeys/cancel_all_no_stops.das Cancel orders and TP alerts without re-arming stops.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+Win+0 hotkeys/buy_mib_bid_plus_sl.das Micro ice breaker buy at bid + offset with auto stop/TP.
Ctrl+Shift+1 hotkeys/buy_ib_bid_plus_sl.das Ice breaker buy at bid + offset with auto stop/TP.
Ctrl+Shift+2 hotkeys/buy_25_bid_plus_sl.das Half-clip buy at bid + offset with auto stop/TP.
Ctrl+Shift+3 hotkeys/buy_50_bid_plus_sl.das Full-clip buy at bid + offset with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+0 hotkeys/buy_mib_bid_sl.das Micro ice breaker buy at bid with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+1 hotkeys/buy_ib_bid_sl.das Ice breaker buy at bid with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+2 hotkeys/buy_25_bid_sl.das Half-clip buy at bid with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+3 hotkeys/buy_50_bid_sl.das Full-clip buy at bid with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Shift+0 hotkeys/buy_mib_ask_sl.das Micro ice breaker buy at ask with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Shift+1 hotkeys/buy_ib_ask_sl.das Ice breaker buy at ask with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Shift+2 hotkeys/buy_25_ask_sl.das Half-clip buy at ask with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Shift+3 hotkeys/buy_50_ask_sl.das Full-clip buy at ask with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+0 hotkeys/buy_mib_ask_plus_sl.das Micro ice breaker buy at ask + offset with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+1 hotkeys/buy_ib_ask_plus_sl.das Ice breaker buy at ask + offset with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+2 hotkeys/buy_25_ask_plus_sl.das Half-clip buy at ask + offset with auto stop/TP.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+3 hotkeys/buy_50_ask_plus_sl.das Full-clip buy at ask + offset with auto stop/TP.
Ctrl+A hotkeys/sell_1_1_ask.das Sell full position at ask.
Ctrl+S hotkeys/sell_1_2_ask.das Sell half position at ask.
Ctrl+D hotkeys/sell_1_4_ask.das Sell quarter position at ask.
Ctrl+Z hotkeys/sell_1_1_bid.das Sell full position at bid minus offset.
Ctrl+X hotkeys/sell_1_2_bid.das Sell half position at bid minus offset.
Ctrl+C hotkeys/sell_1_4_bid.das Sell quarter position at bid minus offset.
Ctrl+Shift+S hotkeys/set_auto_stop.das Place 1R stop-limit for full position.
Ctrl+Shift+B hotkeys/set_auto_stop_be_1_1.das Breakeven stop/limit for full position.
Unbound hotkeys/set_auto_stop_be_scale_1_1.das Scale-in BE stop/limit for full position.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+- hotkeys/set_0_10_stop.das Set 1R stop-loss trigger to $0.10.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+[ hotkeys/set_0_20_stop.das Set 1R stop-loss trigger to $0.20.
Unbound hotkeys/structured_stop_validate.das Structured stop validation (internal).
Alt+Ctrl+B hotkeys/set_auto_stop_be_1_2.das Breakeven stop/limit for half position.
Ctrl+Shift+T hotkeys/set_take_profit.das Create R-based take-profit alert.
Unbound hotkeys/take_profit_executor.das Execute TP partial when alert fires.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+1 hotkeys/select_primary_order_entry.das Focus the Primary_OE montage.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+P hotkeys/toggle_position_window.das Toggle Positions windows AlwaysOnTop.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+] hotkeys/toggle_stp_feature.das Toggle auto stop-loss feature.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+/ hotkeys/toggle_tp_feature.das Toggle take-profit alerts.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+' hotkeys/toggle_spread_check_feature.das Toggle spread safety guard.
Ctrl+Alt+Win+D hotkeys/enable_dynamic_stop_mode.das Enable dynamic stop mode (Buy IB/MIB only).
Ctrl+Alt+Win+F hotkeys/enable_standard_stop_mode.das Enable fixed stop mode.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+S hotkeys/enable_structured_stop_mode.das Enable structured stop mode (IB/MIB only).
Alt+Ctrl+Win+G hotkeys/toggle_apply_live_guards_to_sim.das Toggle live-only guards in SIM.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+2 hotkeys/set_order_route_arcal.das Set limit order route to ARCAL.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+3 hotkeys/set_order_route_freel.das Set limit order route to FREEL (free route for ST Global Market/Open Ocean).
Alt+Ctrl+Win+M hotkeys/toggle_single_position_guard.das Toggle single-symbol entry guard.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+T hotkeys/toggle_test_mode.das Toggle test mode (no order sends).
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+Win+2 hotkeys/toggle_test_hijack_guard.das Toggle hijack guard test.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+Win+3 hotkeys/toggle_test_single_position_guard.das Toggle single-position guard test.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+Win+4 hotkeys/toggle_test_pending_entry_guard.das Toggle pending-entry guard test.
Alt+Ctrl+Shift+Win+5 hotkeys/toggle_test_max_position_guard.das Toggle max-position guard test.
Alt+Ctrl+Win+H hotkeys/enable_rehab_mode.das Toggle rehab mode (YES to disable).
Unbound hotkeys/hijack_exit.das Hijack guard exit/lock enforcement (timer-only).
Unbound hotkeys/timer_entry_handler.das Timer-driven stop/TP arming for entries.

BUY ORDERS

Sizing philosophy: start small to probe the trade, add only when it is working, and cap exposure with hard limits. Base sizing is a 50-share clip multiplied by $qtyMult. Buy 25 uses half of that clip, Buy 50 uses the full clip, Buy IB (ice breaker) uses roughly one quarter of the 50-share clip, and Buy MIB (micro ice breaker) uses roughly one twentieth of the 50-share clip (all rounded to 5-share lots). This keeps the sizing deterministic and proportional to your 1R risk. In rehab mode ($rehab = 1), trading is restricted to ice breaker entries and scale-ins are blocked in LIVE and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1.

Rehab mode is a safety throttle for live trading. When enabled ($rehab = 1), the scripts block scale-ins and prevent larger clip entries in live accounts, forcing you to trade only ice breaker size while you reset discipline or reduce risk after a drawdown. The same restrictions apply in SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1 (default). You can set the default by changing $rehab in hotkeys/set_global_variables.das and re-running "Set Global Variables" (or restarting DAS), or toggle it for the current session using the Toggle Rehab Mode hotkey. Disabling rehab requires typing YES to confirm.

Ice breaker, half, and full size

  • Buy MIB scripts are the micro ice breaker entries. They size at roughly one twentieth of the 50-share base clip after applying $qtyMult and then round to 5-share lots with a 5-share minimum. In formula form: mibShares = round5(50 * $qtyMult / 20). MIB entries are treated like IB for dynamic/structured gating.
  • Buy IB scripts are the ice breaker entries. They size at roughly one quarter of the 50-share base clip after applying $qtyMult and then round to 5-share lots with a 5-share minimum. In formula form: ibShares = round5(50 * $qtyMult * 0.25).
  • Buy 25 uses 25 * $qtyMult shares; Buy 50 uses 50 * $qtyMult shares. These are the base clip sizes for normal entries and adds.
  • All buy scripts enforce $maxPositionSize and $riskCapDollars before sending an order.
  • "Plus" versions use $entryOffset to price above bid or ask.

Scaling-in logic

Scaling in means adding shares after an initial entry once the trade is working and risk is reduced. These scripts only allow scale-ins when the existing position has moved at least 1R in your favor.

  • The profit gate is measured as BID - AvgCost >= R for longs. R is $stopLossTrigger for normal trades. Buy IB uses dynamic R when enabled; buy_25/buy_50 use dynamic R only when dynamicStop = 1 and dynamicStopActive = 1, otherwise $stopLossTrigger.
  • When adding to a position, the scripts arm the scale-in BE stop (Set Auto Stop BE Scale 1/1) so the combined position is protected.
  • Rehab mode ($rehab = 1) blocks scale-ins entirely in LIVE and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1.
  • Entries are rejected if $maxPositionSize or the net risk to the planned stop would exceed $riskCapDollars after the add.
  • Spread safety checks and slippage margins guard entries before an order is sent.

Single-position guard

When $singlePositionGuard = 1 (default), buy hotkeys only allow one active symbol at a time. If $singlePositionSymbol is set, new entries on a different symbol are blocked. The guard also blocks when $entryPending = 1 for another symbol (timer staging), so you cannot start a second entry while a buy is still waiting to fill. The pending-entry block clears when the pending entry times out/cancels, or when the original symbol is back in Primary_OE and the position is flat. If you switch the montage to a different symbol while an entry is pending, the timer cancels the working buy and clears the pending state to avoid unprotected fills.

SELL ORDERS

Sell hotkeys are designed for manual partials and exits on long positions. They cancel existing orders for the symbol to avoid conflicting routes, then send a limit order. Partial sell hotkeys re-arm stops/TP after a full fill so the remaining position stays protected.

Standard sell orders

  • Ask sells place a limit order at the current Ask (price first).
  • Bid- sells place a limit order at Bid minus $exitOffset (fill priority).
  • Bid- prices are snapped to valid tick sizes and clamped to non-negative values.
  • After a full fill on partial sells, the scripts re-arm Set Auto Stop and Set Take Profit if those features are enabled.

Break-even stop losses / sell orders

Break-even (BE) scripts move protection to breakeven once a position is working. They do not check $useAutoStop, so BE hotkeys (and TP-driven BE adjustments) still work even when automatic stops are disabled.

  • For the standard BE scripts (1/1 and 1/2), if price has not reached the BE trigger (currently $0.03 above avg cost), they place a BE limit sell.
  • Once price clears the trigger, those scripts place a stop-limit above breakeven (stop at avg + offset, limit at avg).
  • The scale-in BE script uses a stop-limit even before the trigger (stop at avg cost), then moves to a stop above BE once the trigger is cleared.
  • Variants protect the full position or a fraction (1/1, 1/2, or scale-in versions), and they honor $useAutoStop.

STOP LOSSES

Fixed stop losses

Set Auto Stop places a stop-limit order at 1R below avg cost for long positions. R is $stopLossTrigger when dynamic stops are inactive. The script uses the montage average cost when available and falls back to the entry reference price ($entryRefPx) or last price if AvgCost is lagging. It cancels existing sell orders for the symbol before placing the new stop, except when invoked in timer mode ($timerMode) where cancels are skipped.

When dynamic stops are inactive, the stop-limit offset uses $exitOffset. The order is snapped to valid tick sizes and sent as a STOP/SLP order.

Dynamic stop losses (experimental)

Dynamic stops are only supported for Buy IB/MIB entries due to the added risk of spread-based sizing, and they only activate when $dynamicStop == 1. They are intended for parabolic movers where spreads and intraday swings expand sharply as price accelerates.

The stop engine now uses $stopMode ("FIXED", "DYNAMIC", or "STRUCTURED") as the selector; enable_dynamic_stop_mode.das and enable_standard_stop_mode.das keep $stopMode in sync with $dynamicStop. STRUCTURED uses the structured stop price ($structuredStop) and distance ($structuredR) when present.

  • R is computed once at order send: R = spread * $dynamicStopMult.
  • R is fixed for the life of the trade and reused for scale-ins.
  • The stop trigger uses the dynamic R.
  • Adaptive stop-limit offsets are used only when a dynamic stop is active; the offset is derived from the live spread at stop placement and capped by an internal maximum.
  • When $dynamicStop = 1, initial entries must use Buy IB; buy_25_* and buy_50_* only allow scale-ins.
  • Dynamic state is cleared when flat by the timer script.

Structured stop losses (experimental)

Structured stops are enabled when $stopMode = "STRUCTURED" and require the Chart_1m window running other scripts/chart_1m.das so live candle values are available. The structured validator computes a stop price from a 1-minute impulse/pullback pattern and stores it in $structuredStop.

  • Only Buy IB/MIB entries can open a new position in structured mode.
  • Buy 25/50 hotkeys are allowed only for scale-ins (and require $structuredR).
  • If structured data is missing at entry time, the entry is aborted.
  • The stop engine uses $structuredStop, and TP distance uses $structuredR. Mechanics summary:
  • The validator first looks for a bullish impulse on the prior 1-minute bar (bar -1), requiring a green candle with body >= $structuredMinImpulse and dominance vs the previous bar (body > bar -2 body).
  • If a valid impulse is found, it attempts a MICROPB pullback using live $CURR_* values: price must not dip below the impulse high by more than the bounded tolerance ($structuredMicroTolPct capped by $structuredMicroTolMax) and must not extend above the impulse high by more than $structuredMicroExt. The stop is anchored to the live rejection low minus $structuredBuffer.
  • If the micro conditions fail, the validator falls back to a STDPB pullback: it scans back up to $structuredMaxLookback bars for a bullish impulse that dominates the next $structuredMaxPullback bars, then sets the stop below the lowest pullback low (minus $structuredBuffer).
  • The candidate stop is rejected if price is already below it, clearance is below $structuredMinClearance, or the stop distance exceeds $structuredMaxStop.

TAKE PROFIT

Take-profit is implemented as a DAS price alert that triggers an execution hotkey. It is not a resting broker-side order.

Set Take Profit builds the alert using an R-based distance:

  • Distance is R * $takeProfitFactor.
  • R is $stopLossTrigger for normal trades or dynamic R when active.
  • The alert watches last sale and fires above the target for longs.

When the alert fires, Take Profit Executor:

  • Cancels existing sell orders for the symbol.
  • Sells a partial position sized by $takeProfitSize (or $takeProfitSizeRehab when rehab is active in LIVE, and in SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1).
  • Re-arms stops and (if needed) re-establishes the TP alert after the fill.

Stale take-profit alerts are cleaned up by the timer script a few seconds after the position is flat.

OTHER GUARD RAILS

These controls help prevent low-quality fills and oversized risk.

  • Spread checks: reject entries when spread is too large relative to R ($useSpreadCheck).
  • Slippage margin: requires the planned stop to sit below bid by a minimum tick/spread buffer ($useSlippageMargin, $slipTicksMin, $slipSpreadFrac).
  • Hijack protection: if the position size exceeds $maxPositionSize (LIVE, and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1), the timer triggers GTFO, locks all montage order buttons, and sets $HIJACKED_LOCKED to block new buys. The lock clears only after restarting DAS or re-running Set Global Variables, and montage unlock is manual.
  • Single-position guard: when $singlePositionGuard = 1, buy hotkeys block entries on a different symbol once a position is tracked. This is script-tracked using the Primary_OE montage; if you close a position while on another symbol, the lock clears when you return to the original symbol or re-run Set Global Variables. Positions opened or closed outside the hotkeys may not be detected until the montage returns to the active symbol.
  • Per-trade risk cap: blocks entries when projected risk exceeds $riskCapDollars ($usePerTradeRiskCap).

SIM vs LIVE: hijack protection and rehab gating apply in LIVE and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1 (default). Set $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 0 to keep those guards live-only. All other guard rails apply in both SIM and LIVE.

Hijack protection (position-size backstop)

This is a strict discipline backstop. It is enabled by default via $hijackProtection = 1 and continuously compares your position size to $maxPositionSize using the Primary_OE montage. It applies to LIVE and to SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1 (default).

If the timer detects a position larger than $maxPositionSize, it:

  • Triggers GTFO to flatten.
  • Locks all montage order buttons via LockAllMontage Lock.
  • Sets $HIJACKED_LOCKED to block new buys.
  • Plays a brief voice alert.

Reset behavior:

  • $HIJACKED_LOCKED clears only after restarting DAS or re-running Set Global Variables.
  • Montage lock must be manually cleared (UI lock icon or LockAllMontage Unlock).

TIMER SCRIPT

other scripts/timer.das does three things:

  1. Enforces hijack protection on position size (LIVE, and SIM when $applyLiveGuardsToSim = 1).
  2. Runs Timer Entry Handler each tick to arm stops/TP after fills when $useTimerArming = 1.
  3. Clears take-profit alerts and dynamic/structured stop state when flat.

Installation: add this script to DAS Trader's timer so it runs every second. It is not installed automatically by the hotkey build. Ensure hotkeys/timer_entry_handler.das is included in your keymap because the timer calls it via ExecHotkey.

CHART SCRIPT (1-MINUTE)

other scripts/chart_1m.das captures the current 1-minute candle's live values and exposes them as globals for other scripts. It is not installed automatically by the hotkey build.

Installation: add this script to DAS Trader's chart "Scripting" section and bind it to a 1-minute chart that follows your active symbol (only one chart should run it at a time).

UTILITIES & TOGGLES

These scripts handle configuration, safety toggles, and convenience actions. The SIM/LIVE mode hotkeys read the account from the Primary_OE montage and set your account context accordingly so your entries and guards apply to the correct account. Use them at the start of a session (and when switching environments) to avoid sending orders to the wrong account.

Safety toggles:

  • toggle_stp_feature.das and toggle_tp_feature.das enable/disable auto stops and take-profit alerts.
  • toggle_spread_check_feature.das enables/disables the spread safety guard.
  • enable_dynamic_stop_mode.das sets dynamic R for Buy IB/MIB entries (and disables fixed mode).
  • enable_standard_stop_mode.das sets fixed R stops and disables dynamic mode.
  • enable_structured_stop_mode.das sets structured stop mode (IB/MIB only).
  • toggle_apply_live_guards_to_sim.das toggles whether live-only guards also apply in SIM ($applyLiveGuardsToSim).
  • set_order_route_arcal.das sets $orderRoute to ARCAL.
  • set_order_route_freel.das sets $orderRoute to FREEL (free route for ST Global Market/Open Ocean).
  • toggle_single_position_guard.das toggles the single-position guard ($singlePositionGuard).
  • toggle_test_mode.das toggles test mode ($testMode) for off-hours guard checks.
  • toggle_test_hijack_guard.das toggles a hijack-guard test by lowering maxPositionSize (requires $testMode = 1 and an open position).
  • toggle_test_single_position_guard.das toggles a simulated active symbol for the single-position guard (requires $testMode = 1).
  • toggle_test_pending_entry_guard.das toggles a simulated pending entry for the guard (requires $testMode = 1 and a flat position).
  • toggle_test_max_position_guard.das toggles a max-position guard test by setting maxPositionSize to the current position (requires $testMode = 1 and an open position).
  • enable_rehab_mode.das toggles rehab mode on/off; disabling requires typing YES.

Account and session:

  • set_global_variables.das refreshes all global settings.
  • switch_to_sim.das and switch_to_live.das set the Primary_OE account.

Order control:

  • cancel_all.das cancels working orders and re-arms stops; cancel_all_no_stops.das cancels without re-arming.
  • gtfo.das attempts an aggressive limit exit for the full position.

UI and convenience:

  • show_config.das displays current globals and account mode.
  • select_primary_order_entry.das focuses the Primary_OE montage.
  • toggle_position_window.das toggles AlwaysOnTop for the DAS Position windows.

OTHER NOTES

Script-induced latency

Fast entry and exit are important to my strategy, so reducing latency matters. These scripts still introduce small delays because they wait to confirm fills and enforce guard rails. With $useTimerArming = 1, entry hotkeys return immediately, but stops/TP are armed on the next timer tick, so there can be a brief unprotected window (up to ~1 second plus DAS processing). Set $useTimerArming = 0 and tune $pollMs and $maxPolls if you prefer inline polling and more immediate protection.

Waiting for fills on buy orders

When $useTimerArming = 1, the timer handler waits for a position to appear before arming stops/TP. If position size increases on later ticks, the handler cancels existing sell orders, re-arms the stop, and only re-arms TP when the TP reset conditions are met. If no fill appears within $entryMaxTicks, the handler cancels the working buy order and clears pending state. When $useTimerArming = 0, buy orders poll for fills and can accept partials based on $acceptPartial and $minFillShares. If the fill criteria are not met in time, the order is canceled and the script exits without arming stops.

Both modes intentionally wait for a fill before arming protection to avoid mismatched AvgCost. Bypassing the fill check risks placing protection against a position that does not exist yet, or against a partial fill that later changes your average cost. The fill check avoids racing conditions between the order, the montage position, and AvgCost updates.

Pre-market / after-hours stops (LIMITP)

Current stop scripts use STOP route and SLP (stop-limit) orders. DAS behavior for stops outside regular hours can vary by broker. If your broker supports LIMITP (price-triggered limit orders outside regular hours), it can be an important safety feature because it allows stop logic to function in the pre-market and after-hours session, where volatility can be high and liquidity thin. This is especially relevant for gap moves, news catalysts, and parabolic setups that can reverse quickly outside the main session.

These scripts submit STOP/SLP orders; whether those behave as LIMITP in pre-market or after-hours depends on your broker and DAS configuration. If you trade outside regular hours, verify your broker's behavior and consider a LIMITP-based workflow tailored to your setup.