AFT8 Automated Trading Zero-to-Hero Guide
Audience: Intermediate–Advanced • Platform: NinjaTrader 8 (Windows) • Product: Algo Futures Trader 8 (AFT8)
Prerequisites
- NinjaTrader 8 installed (Windows PC). AFT8 works only with NT8.
- Market data/broker connection set up in NT8 for realtime or historical data.
- ATS Universal Account (free) to access downloads/licenses.
- Experience level: Intermediate to advanced with NT8 basics (charts, Chart Trader/DOM, connections).
- Stable internet + up-to-date Windows. (Recommended: US English locale/time settings in NT8 to avoid formatting issues.)
Trial note: AFT8 can be used free in SIM during the trial. Live/prop usage requires a license.
Step 1 — Sign up & link up
- Create your ATS Universal Account. This unlocks downloads, licenses, and support access.
- Log in to the ATS site with your new account.
- (Optional) Link Discord to join the Zero-to-Hero/VIP channels for Q&A and community support.
Step 2 — Install ATS Desktop Apps & AFT8
- Download “ATS Desktop Apps”. From your ATS account’s Downloads page.
- Run the installer. Accept defaults; it will:
- Install Algo Futures Trader (AFT) Desktop and Alpha Web Trader (AWT) Desktop.
- Deploy AFT8 components (strategies/indicators/workspaces) into NinjaTrader 8.
- Install any prerequisites if prompted (.NET runtime, NT8 bootstrapper, etc.).
- Launch NinjaTrader 8. Approve the AFT8 add-on if prompted; verify AFT8 workspaces/strategies are available.
Tip: Keep NT8 updated. After install, restart NT8 once to ensure all components load cleanly.
Step 3 — Zero-to-Hero stages & turnkey workspaces
AFT8 onboards you via turnkey NinjaTrader workspaces that unlock automation step-by-step. Progress at your own pace; each stage adds capability without overwhelming you.
Stage 1 — Manual entry + automated trade management
- You enter trades manually (Chart Trader/DOM) using AFT8’s chart signals for guidance.
- AFT Algo Trade Manager automates exits: stop, targets, trailing, partials.
- Goal: Learn signal-driven discretionary entries and the Algo Trade Manager control set.
- Recommended workspace: Session Breakout (or Trend Scalper) with visual buy/sell signals.
Why this first? You build trust by seeing how the algo manages risk/profit while you retain the entry decision.
Stage 2 — Hybrid (semi-auto/full-auto entry) + automated exits
- Enable the AFT Algo Entry module:
- Semi-auto: Arm next signal (often with long/short bias).
- Full-auto: Continuous entries on qualified signals.
- Exits remain automated under Algo Trade Manager.
- Goal: Operate in “man + machine” mode. You supervise high-level bias and session timing; the system executes.
- Note: Fully unattended trading is not recommended; keep the pilot in the loop.
Stage 3 — Hybrid + multi-timeframe confirmation
- Add MTF filters (e.g., confirm a 5-min signal with a 15-min trend).
- Fewer, higher-quality entries while still using hybrid/auto entries and automated exits.
- Goal: Improve selectivity and alignment with broader trend context.
Stage 4 — Hybrid + AWT integration (advanced)
- Integrate Alpha Web Trader (AWT) for market radar, sentiment, and news-aware behavior.
- Use additional timeframes (MTF/TTF) and advanced filters in the turnkey workspace.
- Goal: Operate a professional “pilot & plane” cockpit with richer context and smarter automation.
- Heads-up: Trial users get a preview of VIP-grade layouts; keep supervision active.
Stage 5 — Going live (prop/live) & next steps
- Keep practicing in SIM if needed; the system supports extended simulation learning.
- Choose a license for live or prop evaluation when ready.
- Unlock VIP & AWT full features for advanced workspaces, support, and community.
- Pathways: Continue hybrid trading, or explore fully automated baselines (with caution and oversight).
Key takeaways
- NT8-only: AFT8 is built for NinjaTrader 8 on Windows.
- Hybrid first: Manual → Hybrid → (optional) Automation, with the trader supervising.
- Turnkey workspaces: Progress through stages to add capability without overload.
- Trial in SIM: Use the free trial to build skill, stats, and confidence before going live.
- Community & docs: Use the Getting Started and AFT categories plus Discord for faster wins.