MQL5-Google-Onedrive/docs/ExpertMAPSAR_Tuning_Guide.md
2026-01-19 05:08:51 +00:00

4.1 KiB

ExpertMAPSAR Tuning & Usage Guide

Overview

This guide covers the ExpertMAPSAR family of Expert Advisors. These EAs are trend-following systems based on Moving Averages (MA) and Parabolic SAR (PSAR), designed for MetaTrader 5.

The core logic is:

  • Signal: Moving Average crossover/shift.
  • Trailing: Parabolic SAR (or Fixed Risk in the RiskBased version).
  • Money Management: Lot size optimization based on consecutive wins/losses.

Included Versions

We have provided four variations of the EA to suit different trading styles:

  1. ExpertMAPSARSizeOptimized.mq5 (Original)

    • The base version provided.
    • Uses SMA (Simple Moving Average).
    • Best for: Understanding the core logic.
  2. ExpertMAPSAR_Improved.mq5 (Recommended)

    • Key Change: Defaults tuned for modern markets (EMA instead of SMA, tighter shift).
    • Optimization: All key parameters are exposed for the Strategy Tester.
    • Best for: General purpose trend trading on XAUUSD and Indices.
  3. ExpertMAPSAR_Filtered.mq5 (Conservative)

    • Key Change: Adds an RSI Filter.
    • Logic: Trades are only taken if the MA signal is confirmed by the RSI filter (based on weightings).
    • Best for: Reducing false signals in choppy/sideways markets.
  4. ExpertMAPSAR_RiskBased.mq5 (Risk Controlled)

    • Key Change: Replaces PSAR trailing with Fixed Stop Loss and Take Profit.
    • Logic: Sets a hard Stop Loss and Take Profit in points immediately upon entry.
    • Best for: Traders who prefer a set-and-forget Risk:Reward ratio (e.g., 1:2) over trailing stops.

Best Symbols & Timeframes

This strategy thrives on Volatility and Direction. It struggles in tight ranges.

Top Symbols

Symbol Characteristics Why it works
XAUUSD (Gold) High volatility, long trends The "King" of trend following.
NAS100 (USTEC) Strong directional moves Perfect for PSAR trailing.
US30 (DJ30) Big swings Captures large daily moves.
GBPJPY Volatile "Guppy" Classic trend-following pair.
  • H1 (1 Hour): Best balance of signal frequency and reliability.
  • H4 (4 Hours): More robust, fewer trades, higher win rate.
  • D1 (Daily): Very slow, but captures massive macro trends.
  • Avoid M1/M5/M15 unless highly optimized.

Optimization Guide

To make this EA powerful, you must run the Strategy Tester in MetaTrader 5.

1. Moving Average Settings

  • Period: Test range 10 to 50. (Shorter = faster signals, Longer = smoother).
  • Shift: Test range 0 to 10. (Crucial for timing entries).
  • Method: Compare MODE_SMA vs MODE_EMA. EMA is usually faster.

2. Parabolic SAR (Trailing)

  • Step: Test 0.005 to 0.05. (Lower = looser trail, Higher = tighter trail).
  • Maximum: Test 0.1 to 0.3.

3. Risk Management

  • Percent: Default is 3.0 (3%). Adjust based on your risk appetite.
  • DecreaseFactor: Controls how fast lot size drops after losses. Test 2.0 to 4.0.

Theoretical Optimized Parameter Sets

Note: These are starting points. Always backtest on your specific broker's data.

Set A: XAUUSD (Gold) - Aggressive H1

Captures breakouts in Gold.

  • MA Period: 14
  • MA Shift: 3
  • MA Method: EMA
  • PSAR Step: 0.025
  • PSAR Max: 0.2
  • Risk %: 3%

Set B: NAS100 - Trend Rider H4

Smoother settings for Indices.

  • MA Period: 21
  • MA Shift: 5
  • MA Method: SMA
  • PSAR Step: 0.015
  • PSAR Max: 0.15
  • Risk %: 5%

Set C: EURJPY - Balanced H1

  • MA Period: 18
  • MA Shift: 4
  • MA Method: EMA
  • PSAR Step: 0.02
  • PSAR Max: 0.2
  • Risk %: 2%

How to Install

  1. Copy the .mq5 files to your MQL5/Experts/ folder.
  2. Open MetaEditor and compile them (F7).
  3. Restart MetaTrader 5 or refresh the Navigator.
  4. Drag the EA onto a chart (e.g., XAUUSD H1).
  5. Allow Algo Trading in the toolbar.

Disclaimer

Trading involves risk. These tools are provided for educational purposes. Always test on a Demo account before using real funds.