Most people think of using the “parameter seach” option of the genetic algorithm optimizer as useful for finding optimum numeric parameters of indicators. However, parameter search can also find the appropriate time series to use in any parameter that calls for a time series as opposed to a constant number. The method to do this is a little tricky, so a completed example will not show you the process – you have to do it yourself to learn.

To show you how it is done, we will teach you with Example 7, since everyone should have that. Load up the Example 7 chart. First use the Insert menu to insert an RSI indicator onto the chart. You will find it in the category called “Price Momentum Indicators”.

Next, double click on the Trading Strategy to open it up, and then hit the “Back” button twice to get to the Long Entry rule. Single click on the plus(+) sign to the left of the “Avg Crossover Above” rule to open it and view the parameter ranges. The Avg1 and AV2 periods already have numeric ranges set, but what we are going to do it set a “range” of time series to be searched for the “Time Series Search Space” parameter. Right now the “range” only includes Close, but we are going to add Open, High, Low, Volume, and RSI to that range. (Using Volume and RSI may not be appropriate in a trading sense, but we are teaching a mechanical concept).

Next all you have to do is double click on the “Time Series Search Space” parameter to open up the selection. Now simply single click on Open, High, Low, Volume, and RSI to highlight them. Click OK on the dialog and they are now added to the range. Do the same with the short rule if you like, and you are ready to optimize. Only one of the time series in the range will be selected by the optimizer.

Note two important things:

1. The process above relies on the trading strategy rule already being inserted, because only then can you set ranges.
2. The RSI or other indicators you use have to be on the chart already somewhere before you can add them to a range. However, they can even be hidden as they can still be selected even if they are “grayed out”.