Maximize Your Trading Efficiency with the Latest Period Converter

Latest Version: 1.4

On December 24, 2005, we rolled out version 1.4 of the Period Converter, bringing you a more efficient tool for detecting data changes. This update eliminates floating point operations for faster performance and introduces real-time CSV file output support.

The CSV output options are as follows:

OutputCSVFile = 0: No CSV output
OutputCSVFile = 1: CSV + HST output
OutputCSVFile = 2: CSV only, no HST (ideal for generating CSV for built-in periods)

The CSV filename will mirror the HST file name, with an added extension. Plus, we’ve included safe checks for the PeriodMultiplier.

CPU cost on P4 1.8G

This version is a significant improvement over the default MT4 period converter. The original script lacks real-time refreshing capabilities and can hog CPU resources (up to 90%). Not to mention, it doesn’t save your settings when you exit MT4, meaning you have to reapply it each time—talk about a hassle!

I. Key Features:

Real-time updates or custom millisecond-level updating
Low CPU usage, averaging around 5%-10%
Functions as an indicator, allowing you to save and reload settings during restarts
No limitation on the number of converters per chart—generate multiple new timeframe charts from a single source window
Automatic updates when new history blocks are loaded

II. How to Use:

To get started, copy the mq4 file to your MT4 indicators folder (experts\indicators) to install it as an indicator, not a script. Then, in the custom indicator list, attach period_converter_opt to the chart you want to use. The following parameters can be adjusted:

PeriodMultiplier: New period multiplier factor (default is 2)
UpdateInterval: Update interval in milliseconds (set to zero for real-time updates; default is zero)
Enabled: Allows you to disable the indicator without removing it

Remember to check the 'Allow DLL imports' option in the common tab, or it won’t function properly. After that, go to File → Open Offline to access the generated offline data, which will update automatically.

Keep the source chart open and the converter indicator running, and the generated chart will always stay updated. You can even close and reopen the generated chart later from File → Open Offline without any issues.

If you decide to quit MT4, you can leave your offline charts just like any normal online charts. The next time you start MT4, those charts will load and update seamlessly.

III. Important Notes:

Do NOT uncheck the "offline chart" option in the offline chart properties. If you do, MT4 will treat that chart as an online chart and request data from the server, resulting in an empty chart window.
You can attach multiple converters to the same window with different PeriodMultipliers. For example, attach three converters with multipliers of 2, 4, and 10 to an M1 chart to generate M2, M4, and M10 simultaneously. You can even use the M1 chart to create hourly charts like H2, though this may require a bit more CPU during the initial conversion.
The real-time updating mode strives to update quotes as quickly as possible, but it’s worth noting that MT4 might skip calling the start() function when your PC is under heavy load. However, you can typically expect at least 10 updates per second, which is more than adequate.
While the offline chart won’t display a bid line, all chart data and indicators will still update. You can enable the bid line by unchecking the "offline chart" option, but this can lead to issues if you forget to check it before exiting MT4. In that case, you’ll need to close the window and reopen it from File → Open Offline.

IV. Version History:

1.4 (December 24, 2005): Enhanced detection of data changes, added CSV output support.
1.3 (December 4, 2005): Fixed missing data issues with large data loads and added auto-updating for new history.
1.2 (November 29, 2005): Additional fixes for data loss and server changes.
1.1 (November 29, 2005): Resolved missing partial data after restart; reinitialization after server changes.
1.0 (November 28, 2005): Initial release.

Maximize Your Trading Efficiency with the Latest Period Converter

I. Key Features:

II. How to Use:

III. Important Notes:

IV. Version History:

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