Backtesting indicator (how to avoid render/plot bars)

[Giorgetto]

Hello,

I have an indicator and I want to add a feature where I can backtest using a static chart (no market replay) and historical data.
The first goal is to avoid render/plot some bars to analyze to scenario without seeing what was happened.
How can I achieve it?
I've already tried to "hide" the bars (changing the color to transparent) in the OnBarUpdate method but when I use the "Fixed scale" (button "F" up in the right corner) I can see if the price was gone up or down because the chart auto scale also the hidden bars. So, I would remove or avoid rendering these bars.

Thanks.
Regards,

[NinjaTrader_Kate]

Hello Giorgetto,

Thank you for your post.

An indicator would not be able to keep bars from being rendered - which bars are rendered on the chart are dependent on either the bar type or the trading hours template. Are you trying to exclude specific time periods from the chart? It may be simplest to create a custom trading hours template that only includes the periods you would like the indicator applied to, then apply that to the chart prior to adding the indicator. If not, could you be more specific about what bars you're wanting to avoid actually rendering on the chart?

Thanks in advance; I look forward to assisting you further.

[Giorgetto]

Hello,

yes, I want to avoid rendering from a specific time, (9AM for example) but only for the last trading day.
The idea is enable this feature in the indicator (maybe using a button in the chart menu) and later choose the day I want to backtest changing the "End Date" in Data Series properties.
So, the result should show me all historical data until 9AM (last day in the chart).

[NinjaTrader_Kate]

Hello Giorgetto,

Thank you for your reply.

I'm still not quite clear on this. So you're saying you want the indicator to plot only up to a specific time but only on the last day of the chart, is that correct?

As far as I understand it, in this case it may be simplest to use the playback connection with historical data. That way, you can play the day in question up until your selected time, then apply the indicator to the chart and only see it up to that point.

Here's a link to our help guide that goes over the playback connection:

https://ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt8/playback_connection.htm

Please let us know if we may be of further assistance to you.

[Giorgetto]

Yes, you've understood correctly. But I don't want to use the market replay for many reasons, like I want backtest years ago, etc.
If it's not possible achieve it, is it possible at least deactivate the "Fixed scale" (button "F" up in the right corner) via code?
With deactivate I means that I want to see the button, so, the "Fixed scale" not enabled.

Thanks.

[NinjaTrader_Kate]

Hello Giorgetto,

Thank you for your reply.

Changing chartScale properties via code (ie. switching to automatic scaling from fixed) is not documented in the help guide and is not supported by NinjaTrader Support to do.

You may be able to restrict the indicator's processing using time conditions within the indicator - the tricky part is for it to always cease at a specific time on the last day only. I'll work on this a bit and see if I can come up with a simple example.

Thanks in advance; I look forward to assisting you further.