Prepare a clean machine running Windows (either a local PC or VPS). The machine must be powerful enough and used exclusively for trading. It will operate 24/7, with potential maintenance tasks on weekends. Do not store any private data on the trading machine and minimize third-party applications to reduce the chance of issues or reboots (a good antivirus will suffice).
Basic Steps to Prepare for G-BOT Installation:
STEP 1
Ensure you have an IB Portfolio Margin Account of suitable size. A problem with "undercapitalized" accounts is that with relatively small funds, it is nearly impossible to run our approach. The portfolio margin account alone requires $110K in funds to be "eligible". Without a portfolio margin account, our long/short approach cannot function properly. Read here: IBKR Campus
Get Your Account Ready for Paper Trading:
- Ensure your "paper trading" account is ready, clean from any positions, and has been reset to a realistic amount.
- Ensure that the instruments you plan to trade are subscribed.
- Make sure you can receive real-time data in the paper trading account (to be set in account management).
Primarily, we will use CME and possibly NYMEX for commodities in larger accounts: ensure you receive real-time data from those markets ("US futures bundle"; "top of book" is usually sufficient; no need for deeper levels or more subscriptions).
STEP 2
Install IB Gateway if not already installed: Interactive Brokers IB Gateway
This gateway software from Interactive Brokers (IB) connects G-BOT through a user-designed port (default port 4002) to receive tick data, send orders, receive fill events, etc.
Run the IB Gateway (paper trading account) by selecting:
- IB API
- SSL
- English
Now, configure the IB Gateway (this is only for first-time setup for each account). Go to Settings and:
- In the Lock and Exit section of the Settings Configuration, check "Auto Restart" (ensure that the Auto Restart time falls within the market daily maintenance period), e.g., 05:45 PM ET (or 04:45 PM CT).
- Uncheck "Read-Only" API.
- Set port 4002 (if not already set).
For subscription issues, check: IBKR Info
If real-time tick data is not arriving in paper trading, check: TWS API Group
STEP 3
Enable the use of your Windows Remote Desktop (WRD) or any other free remote desktop software of your choice.
Once ready, send your credentials for access, and I will set up G-BOT for you, providing initial guidance and supervision until you master all essential features (such as ticker definitions, layer management, folio management, "information transfers", rollovers, etc.) and can trade independently.
The machine must be able to function 24/7 without disconnections (except on Saturdays). Disconnecting will result in losing algorithmic protection, which may lead to liquidation by the broker.
I will maintain "permanent watch" on your G-BOT instance and alert you to any issues. It's a 24/7 service (with possible disconnections for maintenance on Saturdays).
The machine should be configured to allow uninstalling older versions and installing updates as needed.
SET UP YOUR MACHINE FOR ALGORITHMIC TRADING WITH G-BOT
You’ll need a reliable Internet connection. The VPS or PC hosting G-BOT should be dedicated to trading only, avoiding other activities that may interfere or potentially cause reboots.
It can be a VPS, a good laptop (with a robust battery), or a PC (equipped with an uninterruptible power supply to also protect the router).
Preferably, have sufficient RAM (at least 16GB+, as the application can store historical data for hundreds of instruments; low memory may lead to swapping, which significantly decreases performance). Use reliable SSDs.
The system must run Windows, and the automatic shutdown of Windows updates must be disabled. You will handle maintenance on Saturdays or Sundays before 5:00 PM ET when necessary. Also, disable all energy-saving features, such as "sleep" or lock screen options.
Instead of delaying the search for optimal technical solutions, it is better to start immediately with paper trading, even with a modest setup while considering better alternatives during this process:
- Internet connection reliability (redundant is better) / Disable Windows automatic shutdown and updates during trading days.
- RAM memory size (preferably 16GB+).
- Disk speed and reliability (reliable SSDs are essential, preferably 1TB+).
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
- Network latencies.
Useful Links:
TOO BUSY TO SUPERVISE YOUR FOLIO, OR NEED TO GO ON VACATION?
If you are successfully using G-BOT, your account is at least $1M, and you have been trading for at least one year, and wish to delegate supervision for a period, I would be happy to host a free trading machine for your exclusive use. You can connect remotely anytime with full control. This is a free service for our investors.