Ask Bid Ticks
Info
The Ask Bid Ticks is a Expert Advisor for MetaTrader 5 that ask bid ticks is a real-time tick data solution for microstructure analysis, offering high-precision tick data collection. It exports tick-by-tick prices to a CSV file with customizable filename, delimiters, and timestamps.
Usage
This tool is typically used for automated trading on major forex pairs and gold.
Platform
This Expert Advisor works exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (both build 600+ and newer versions).
Setup
Place the downloaded file in MQL5/Experts folder via File ? Open Data Folder in MetaTrader 5.
How to Install and Use Ask Bid Ticks
1. Installation: Open the "File" menu, select "Open Data Folder," navigate to MQL/Experts, paste your file, and restart the terminal.
2. Activation: Drag the EA from the Navigator onto a chart, ensure "Allow live trading" is checked in the Common tab, and verify the AutoTrading button is green.
3. Optimization: Right-click your chart, choose "Expert List," click "Properties" to adjust inputs, and save your preferred setup as a set file for future use.
4. Maintenance: Regularly check the "Experts" tab in the terminal window to monitor trade logs and potential execution errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my EA not opening trades? A: Check the "AutoTrading" button, ensure "Allow live trading" is enabled, and verify your broker allows automated trading on your account type.
Q: Can I run multiple EAs on one chart? A: No, each chart can only host one active EA; however, you can open multiple charts for different currency pairs to run several EAs.
Q: What does the "smiley face" icon mean? A: A smiley face in the top-right corner of the chart indicates the EA is successfully running; a frowny face means it is disabled.
What this tool does
Ask Bid Ticks is a real-time tick data solution for microstructure analysis, offering high-precision tick data collection.
Typical Use Case
This Expert Advisor excels in automated trading and technical analysis on MetaTrader 5.
Compatible Platform & Setup
This Expert Advisor works on MetaTrader 5. Place the file in the MQL5/Experts folder and restart the terminal.
Description & Settings
Related: MQL5 Wizard: Trade Signals Based on Hammer/Hanging Man Candlesticks with CCI Confirmation - another powerful expert for MetaTrader 5 traders.
Ask Bid Ticks is a real-time tick data solution for microstructure analysis, offering high-precision tick data collection. It exports tick-by-tick prices to a CSV file with customizable filename, delimiters, and timestamps.Also recommended: exp ergodic ticks volume indicator - similar expert with strong performance on MetaTrader 5.
Settings:
This program utilizes the Windows system file "kernel32.dll" for millisecond timestamps, requiring DLL imports. Enable this in the "Dependencies" tab of the "Properties" window.
Customize delimiters for date-time, symbol name, and ask-bid price data columns. Choose from the following timestamp options:
- Standard: Standard timestamp format - 2026.11.13 15:41:23
- SystemTime: High-precision system time - 2026.11.13 15:41:23.692
- Analysis: Number of milliseconds from the first tick to the current one, facilitating high-frequency data analysis with other programs.
To customize the output file name, delete "Use Default" in the first parameter and enter your preferred name.
Output File:
The output file is located in the terminal_data_directory. Access this directory via the File menu in MetaTrader 5 Client Terminal, or find the complete file path in the "Toolbox" > "Experts" tab at program startup.
Below is a tab-delimited output CSV sample with millisecond timestamps:
Note: Some ticks may be missing due to various factors:
- Economic activity during the period.
- Hardware speed: Missing ticks can occur due to the no-queue policy in event handling, ensuring high-precision timestamps. Using faster hardware can reduce event handling time and minimize missing ticks.
You may also like: exp ergodic ticks volume os m a - excellent alternative for expert users on MetaTrader 5.
Source Code
#property copyright "robotfx"
#property version "1.8"
#property link "https://robotfx.org"
#property description "this code is educational. feel free to use, modify and upgrade as you wish. visit robotfx.org for professional trading tools"
#property description "this code is educational. feel free to use, modify and upgrade as you wish. visit robotfx.org for professional trading tools"
#property description "this code is educational. feel free to use, modify and upgrade as you wish. visit robotfx.org for professional trading tools"
struct systemtime
{
int yearmonth;
int dayofweekdayofmonth;.......
⚠ Limitations & Risk Warning
- This tool is provided for educational and testing purposes only.
- Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Use on a demo account first.
- Results may vary depending on market conditions, broker, and settings.
- We recommend thorough backtesting and forward testing before using with real funds.