Futures Bot Setup Guide

BEF Futures Bot Setup Guide

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to set up the Blue Edge Financial (BEF) Futures Bot. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure successful configuration, minimize connection issues, and properly integrate the bot with NinjaTrader and rTrader Pro.

1. Start by Purchasing a Challenge from Topstep

1. Choose a Challenge: Blue Edge Financial recommends the $50,000 Topstep Challenge.
2. Complete the Purchase Process: Go through Topstep’s setup until you have access to the Topstep dashboard.

2. Download and Configure NinjaTrader
Step 1: Create a NinjaTrader Account

• Visit the NinjaTrader website and create an account if you don’t already have one.

Step 2: Import the License Key

1. Get Your License Key: Topstep will send you a license key via email upon completing your challenge purchase.
2. Import License Key: Login to the NinjaTrader website, go to “Additional Options,” and select “Import License Key.”
3. Troubleshooting: If your license key doesn’t work, reach out to Topstep via live chat to request a new key. This step is crucial, as NinjaTrader cannot function without a valid license key.

3. Install rTrader Pro

1. Download and Install rTrader Pro: Visit the appropriate site, download rTrader Pro, and install it.
   Here is a download link: https://www.rithmic.com/rtraderpro

2. Configure rTrader Pro Settings:

   • Ensure “Market Data” and “Allow Plugins” are enabled.
   • Use the User ID and Password provided by Topstep in your email.
   • Set the system to “Topstep Trader, Chicago Area” for both options.

3. Login Procedure:

   • Log into rTrader Pro first to establish a valid connection. NinjaTrader should be closed during this step to avoid connectivity issues.
   • When logging in for the first time, sign and accept the provided contracts.

4. Open NinjaTrader After rTrader Pro: Only open NinjaTrader after successfully logging into rTrader Pro. If you open NinjaTrader before rTrader Pro, it may show a “green” connection indicator but will not function properly.

4. Connect NinjaTrader with Rhythmic for Topstep

1. Set Up Rhythmic Connection:

   • In NinjaTrader, go to “Connections” > “Configure” > “Rhythmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage.”
   • Click “Add,” and rename this connection as “Topstep” for clarity.
   • Set Connection Options:
     • Enable “Connect on Startup” if you’d like automatic login.
     • Enter the same User ID and Password used in rTrader Pro.
     • Set the system to “Topstep Trader” and select “Purchase.”
     • Enable “Plugin Mode for Use with rTrader.”

2. Save Settings: Apply the settings and save them for future use. You can now log into NinjaTrader and establish a connection automatically when needed.

3. Order of Opening Platforms: Always open rTrader Pro before launching NinjaTrader to ensure the connection is active.

5. Import the Futures Bot
Step 1: Download the Bot

• Access the Blue Edge Financial leaderboard. You will find a link to download the BEF Futures Bot from the leaderboard interface.
• OR you could you could download it on this link:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ucy5GcPzQna4LBZsFXwXI8CkxhaElBo0

Step 2: Import the Bot into NinjaTrader

1. Go to Tools: In NinjaTrader, navigate to “Tools” > “Import” > “NinjaScript Add-On.”
2. Upload BEF Indicator: Select and upload the BEF indicator file downloaded from the Blue Edge Financial website.
3. Confirmation: Wait for the indicator to import successfully. A confirmation should appear once the import is complete.

6. Select and Configure Your Trading Strategy
Step 1: Use the Updated Leaderboard

• The leaderboard now includes enhanced filtering options, allowing you to sort strategies by daily target, profit factor, and pass rate. Select a strategy that aligns with your trading preferences.

Step 2: Load the Selected Strategy in NinjaTrader

1. Open NinjaScript Editor:
   • In NinjaTrader, go to “New” > “NinjaScript Editor.”
2. Select a Strategy:
   • From the leaderboard, right-click on your chosen strategy and select “Send to NinjaTrader.”
   • In NinjaScript Editor, the selected strategy (e.g., “Light Sculpt and Draft”) will load automatically.
3. Verify Connection: Ensure that NinjaScript Editor remains open while you load the strategy into NinjaTrader.

Step 3: Configure Strategy Settings

1. Account Selection: Go to the “Strategies” tab in NinjaTrader, select “New Strategy,” and choose “Blue Edge Financial – Light Sculpt and Draft.”
2. Enter BEF Email: Input your Blue Edge Financial account email address.

Setting Profit Target

• Evaluation Accounts:
  • Set the target balance to 53,000 (50,000 base balance + 3,000 profit goal).
• Funded Accounts:
  • Since funded accounts reset to a balance of zero, set the profit target to 3,000 or any desired target.

1. Additional Strategy Settings:
   • For gold-based strategies, set the asset to “Gold.”
   • Adjust the “Second” field and the target level (recommended: 40) as needed.

Step 4: Enable and Run the Strategy

1. Confirm Settings: Double-check all settings and press “OK.”
2. Activate Strategy: Enable the strategy in NinjaTrader, and it’s ready to run.

Important Reminders

• Connection Sequence: Always log into rTrader Pro before NinjaTrader.
• Regular Leaderboard Updates: The Blue Edge Financial leaderboard will receive continuous updates, adding more sorting options and strategy insights. Check back regularly for new strategies and performance updates.

Feedback and Support

We value your feedback on the setup process. Please let us know what additional features or improvements you would like to see. Thank you, and happy trading!