Hello, I have tried using the “P” variable in a system test. It appears that the system test is not "seeing" the selected plot. I am very familiar with creating my own formulas, explorations and system tests. The formula mov(p,30,e)>10 as a buy order returns the error “Period value out of valid range in Mov() function” when I run the system test. I have used the p variable with this formula many times in explorations with no problem, but this is the first time I have used it in a system test. I have also tried the following: I selected the plot by clicking on it. The number of records in the plot and the security under test are equal. I tried plotting different securities. If I replace the “P” variable with “C”, the system test works fine and generates buy orders. I also tried the formula ((Ref(P,-1)/Ref(P,-2))-1)*100 > 0.5 in the “buy order” screen. The formula is accepted, but returns no results when I run the system test. (the plot is correctly displayed and selected). Can you help with this please. Cheers

Thanks for your reply Patrick. I'm very keen on getting this working as I want to test a new trading system I have come up with. The system shows very promising results, but relies on a certain move in one security or index (the P plot) before a buy signal is generated for the security under test. I spent all weekend testing my ideas using excel with heaps of formulas and manually optimizing with just a handful of securities. It was very time consuming, but the results were promising. (I know, past results are no guarantee of future performance!). The P variable won't work in any situation in a system test. Even a formula such as P>2 for a buy condition produces no trades when a displayed chart is selected that meets this criteria. I have tried several different charts such as the all ordinaries index, the dow jones, and various securities & indicators, all with the same result. The odd thing is that custom indicators and experts work ok and give results using the same formula. For instance, the formula P>2 used in an expert will show up on the selected chart as expected, when the closing price exceeds $2. I tried many different formulae in the system test but none would create any trades when the p variable is used. To test if I had other parameters set up correctly, I replaced "P" with "C", and the system test then produced trades. It's as if the system tester can't see the selected plot. I tried re-installing MetaStock, with no success. (However I don't think all files were removed on the un-install as my custom toolbar re-appeared after the re-install). I have also had a few problems with XP lately, where some programs sometimes close by themselves. (including metastock!) I am thinking of re-installing windows XP. What do you think? Cheers Charles

I have MetaStock V8.0 EOD. The security function is not available. Is there a way I can get it?

Just tried it, no luck! The security function would be good, but at the moment I only need to reference one chart for the system test. So getting the P variable working would be good. 6 months? That's about how often I re-install windows too! I see I have an extfml function. I have a reasonably good knowledge of VB. Could I write my own security function dll?

Further to..... I have re-installed windows xp. Metastock is nice and fast again, but I still can't get the p variable to work in a system test. I've tried many, many different settings, with no luck..Oh well, back to excel for the time being! I've emailed equis technical support for help. Will post here with update when available.

Hello Again. I have upgraded to V9.1 EOD, and I can now use the "Security" function. This has helped me tremendously with my correlation studies!