You can save yourself a lot of time on optimization if you set the ranges correctly. For example, let’s look at the Long Entry Rule in this example RSI less than 30. Click on plus sign beside the rule. You’ll see a range of values for each parameter. The default values may not be correct. From your experience you may know a better set of values. It probably makes more sense to set the B parameter to range from 10 to 40 on the long entry side.
If you don’t want a particular parameter to optimize at all, lock it by clicking on the symbol beside the parameter until a padlock appears.
If you like symmetry in your models and want the optimizer to find the same value for RSI periods on both the long and short entry conditions, modify the parameter, set the range, and click on the associate button. Add a new link such as RSI periods, and say ok. Go to the Short entry tab, find the parameter for RSI periods, modify it and click on associate. Select RSI periods.
The Trader also gives you the option of optimizing a time series. You can select more than one and let the optimizer make the final choice.