How can I access plot values

[TiggerTrader]

For example, the MACD indicator has a plot called "Diff". When it draws on the chart, it shows the differences bars. When the bar value is, for example, 3.45, how do I get that value? I have tried several incantations but have not found the correct syntax.

Thanks for your help.

[NinjaTrader_Matthew]

Hello,

In order to access the Diff Plot, you would want to use:

if (MACD(Fast, Slow, Smooth).Diff[0]

More information on using the MACD indicator method can be found below:

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?moving_average_convergence_divergence_macd.htm

I would also suggest reviewing our Tip on Referencing the Correct Bar:

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/forum/showthread.php?t=4769

[TiggerTrader]

OK, but I'm doing this inside the MACD indicator. Won't this recursion cause some trouble? I just want to get the value that is plotted on the screen.

Diff[0] gives me a strange value, not the actual value plotted.

[NinjaTrader_Matthew]

Hello,

If you're working inside the MACD, you do not need to specify the indicator.

Diff[0] should give you the difference of the macd - macdAvg for the current bar.

Can you please clarify what value you are seeing vs the value you expect to see?

[TiggerTrader]

Hmmmmm.... I guess it is getting the correct value, however, now my MACD is not working correctly as compared to a straight, unaltered one in a similar chart. I will need to look into that first.

[NinjaTrader_Matthew]

Hello,

Thanks for the update - I would suggest first checking the Calculate On Bar Close property on the indicators you're using as this can change the way Diff[0] will be plotted.

When COBC = True, Diff[0] will be the most recent closed bar, when set to False, Diff[0] will be the current bar.

[TiggerTrader]

OK the trouble comes in when I add other Bar objects:

Add(PeriodType.Minute, 15);
Add(PeriodType.Minute, 30);

Adding those lines in or commenting them out makes it work or not work. Why?

[NinjaTrader_Matthew]

Hello,

Do you receive any errors on the Log tab of the Control Center?

Are you checking for the BarsInProgress? Please see our Help Guide artcile on 'Accessing the Price Data in a Multi-Bars NinjaScript' & 'Accessing the Price Data in a Multi-Bars NinjaScript' for more information:

http://www.ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt7/index.html?multi_time_frame__instruments.htm

[TiggerTrader]

OK I added :

// Ignore bar update events for the supplementary Bars object added above
if (BarsInProgress == 1)
return;

But to no avail. The MACD plot looks screwy and it's Diff value doesn't match an unadulterated one.

[TiggerTrader]

OK, fixed it...

if (BarsInProgress != 0)
return;

Is what works... duh!