TradeStation Help

Loading Additional Data for Accumulative Calculations

Historical calculations for RadarScreen and OptionStation indicators are performed by loading only the minimum number of bars required. Accumulation or smoothing type indicators such as the Moving Average Exponential Indicator build values based upon the values of previous indicators. Unless you add additional bars of data, the values for these indicators may differ slightly in RadarScreen and OptionStation from those for the same indicator in Chart Analysis.  

To ensure that the values of these indicators are consistent between RadarScreen, OptionStation, and Chart Analysis, you can load additional bars of data. To do this, you need to enable the Load additional data for accumulative calculations option on the Format Indicator > General tab. You can then specify the number of additional bars to load so RadarScreen and OptionStation will perform the necessary "bring forward" calculations. The values for these indicators will then match those in Chart Analysis. See Maximum Number of Bars Study Will Reference for more information about historical bar references.

 This option is only intended for grid-based analysis techniques using accumulative calculations. Chart-based analysis techniques and those that do not use accumulative calculations will not be affected by enabling this option. There is no benefit in loading additional data for indicators that do not accumulate variable values. Doing so will only add demand additional memory and processor overhead from your computer. By default, the Load additional data for accumulative calculations option is disabled for new analysis techniques and is pre-set for any TradeStation supplied analysis techniques that require it.

The number of additional bars needed is a factor of three variables: price, volatility, and input values. Following is a list of the indicator calculations that require a smoothing factor and the input factor for determining the approximate number of smoothing bars in order for indicator values to match what is used in Chart Analysis. Use the input value and multiply that by the smoothing factor below to get the appropriate value to enter in the Additional bars to load box. You may have to experiment with the value to get it right.

 Access using the menu bar Format > Analysis Technique menu sequence from the OptionStation Analysis or RadarScreen window. An indicator must be inserted into the window prior to accessing the functionality.