====== Using IQFeed and eSignal Data ======

It is possible to use data from [[http://www.iqfeed.net|DTN IQFeed]] and [[http://www.esignal.com|eSignal]] within Forex Strategy Builder.  In order to use data from these providers, you will need:

  *  An account with one (or both) providers with access to the data that you wish to access; and
  *  Access to a licensed copy of [[http://www.mechtrading.com/qcollector/dtn/index.htm|QCollector Expert for DTN IQFeed]] or [[http://www.mechtrading.com/qcollector/esignal/index.htm|QCollector Expert for eSignal]], depending on the selected data feed provider.

**NOTE** //Forex Strategy Builder has no relationship with DTN IQFeed, eSignal, or Tradeworks Software (the publishers of the QCollector products).  This information is provided to allow users of Forex Strategy Builder with the ability to access a broader range of data services, and is not a recommendation or endorsement of a commercial product or data service.//

QCollector provides an simple method of downloading data, and maintaining the data files on a schedule, for all the time intervals supported by Forex Strategy Builder.  

It is assumed that the machine you are working on has either IQFeed or eSignal installed and running, along with the appropriate copy of QCollector.  If you have any issues with installing or running these software products, please refer questions back to the support services that are provided commercially by these companies.

  * [[http://www.mechtrading.com/support.htm|QCollector Support]]
  * [[http://www.mechtrading.com/qcollector/dtn/links.htm|DTN IQFeed Links]]
  * [[http://www.mechtrading.com/qcollector/esignal/links.htm|eSignal Support Links]]

QCollector tasks for data extraction:

  * Create a new **ASCII Portfolio** using //File ... New ASCII Portfolio//, and configure the appropriate options.

{{ :fsb:manual:qc1.png?300 |}} 

  * Create **Minute bars, Daily, Weekly...** using  //File ... Minute bars, Daily, Weekly...//, within the recently created portfolio, and configure the appropriate options:
  - The **Symbol** is the data provider symbol.
  - The **Bar Interval** is in minutes.
  - The **File Name** is the name of the file as per [[http://forexsb.com/wiki/fsb/manual/data_files|naming standard]] for Forex Strategy Builder data files.
  - Other options can be adjusted as per individual requirements.

{{ :fsb:manual:qc2.png?300 |}} 
    
  * The process can be repeated for all required intervals (1min, 5min, 15min, 30min, 60min, 240min, daily, and weekly).  //Note that although there is no option in the **Bar Interval** list for a 240 minute bar, manually entering a value of 240 into the list will allow a 240 minute (4 hour) bar to be exported.//

{{ :fsb:manual:qc3.png?300 |}} 
   
  * By right clicking on the newly created portfolio, and selecting **Collect All**, the requested data will be retrieved from the data provider, and placed into files that are compatible with Forex Strategy Builder.