Server Clock Synchronization for MetaTrader
Info
The Server Clock Synchronization for MetaTrader is a Script for MetaTrader 5 that metatrader's time-based functions, timetradeserver() and timelocal(), rely on your computer's clock. If your system clock deviates, all time-sensitive rules in your Expert Advisor (EA) will also deviate.
Usage
This tool is typically used for enhancing chart analysis and decision making.
Platform
This Script works exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (both build 600+ and newer versions).
Setup
Place the downloaded file in MQL5/Scripts folder via File ? Open Data Folder in MetaTrader 5.
How to Install and Use Server Clock Synchronization for MetaTrader
1. Installation: Move your script file into the MQL/Scripts directory and restart the platform.
2. Execution: Drag the script onto a chart; it will perform a one-time action, such as closing all open orders or clearing chart objects.
3. Editing: Use MetaEditor (F4) to modify code, click "Compile," and verify no errors appear in the terminal before running.
4. Removing: Scripts stop automatically, but you can remove them manually by right-clicking the chart and choosing "Remove Script."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are scripts different from EAs? A: Scripts execute a single action and then stop; EAs monitor the market and trade continuously.
Q: Can I assign a hotkey to a script? A: Yes, right-click the script in the Navigator, select "Set Hotkey," and define your preferred keyboard shortcut.
Q: Why did my script stop? A: Scripts are designed to stop immediately after finishing their programmed command; this is normal behavior.
What this tool does
MetaTrader's time-based functions, TimeTradeServer() and TimeLocal(), rely on your computer's clock.
Typical Use Case
This Script excels in automated trading and technical analysis on MetaTrader 5.
Compatible Platform & Setup
This Script works on MetaTrader 5. Place the file in the MQL5/Scripts folder and restart the terminal.
Description & Settings
Related: Clock Diagnostic: Identifying Time Current() Freezes and Step Backwards - another powerful script for MetaTrader 5 traders.
MetaTrader's time-based functions, TimeTradeServer() and TimeLocal(), rely on your computer's clock.Also recommended: Understanding MQL5 Timestamps: Server Time, UTC, and Data Export - similar script with strong performance on MetaTrader 5.
If your system clock deviates, all time-sensitive rules in your Expert Advisor (EA) will also deviate.This can lead to issues such as pending orders expiring prematurely or too late, session and news filters activating or deactivating at incorrect times, and "close before weekend" rules executing at the wrong moment.
The MetaTrader terminal does not provide any warnings for such discrepancies.
This script directly measures the time difference between your computer's clock and the trading server.
Each incoming tick includes a server timestamp, accurate to the millisecond.
The script compares this server timestamp with your system's current time upon tick arrival.
This comparison is performed over a set number of fresh ticks to establish the smallest time gap.
A correction is applied based on half of the current network ping to account for latency.
To use this script, run it on an active trading symbol during market hours.
The results will be displayed in the Experts log and on the chart:
- Status: "OK" or "WARNING". If a warning is issued, it will indicate how many seconds your system clock is ahead of or behind the server clock.
- Smallest measured lag, median lag, and current ping.
- The server's identified time zone.
- For warnings, step-by-step instructions are provided to help you fix your Windows clock synchronization.
Adjustable Inputs:
- Symbol: Specify a trading symbol (leave empty to use the current chart's symbol).
- Number of Ticks: The quantity of ticks to analyze for measurement.
- Timeout: A time limit for the script's execution.
- Warning Threshold: The number of seconds deviation that triggers a warning.
This script is designed for safety and utility:
- It does not open, close, or modify any trades.
- It does not utilize any DLLs.
The accuracy of this measurement is approximately ±0.2 seconds.
This level of accuracy is sufficient to detect multi-second drifts that can disrupt order expiration times.
If the market is closed or the symbol is inactive, the script will indicate this rather than attempting to provide a measurement.
You may also like: programming patterns - observer - excellent alternative for script users on MetaTrader 5.
Source Code
#property copyright "RobotFX"
#property link "https://robotfx.org"
#property version "1.00"
#property description "This code is educational. Feel free to use, modify and upgrade as you wish. Visit ROBOTFX.ORG for professional trading tools"
#property script_show_inputs
#property strict
input string InpSymbol = "";
input int InpSamples = 40;
input int InpTimeoutSec = 90;
input double InpWarnSec = 2.0;.......
⚠ 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.