Tradestation: The good, the bad or the ugly?

[MC]

	Quote:	Tasuki
	Here is a post from someone named casey on the Tradestation World forum. Unfortunately, it's written in Geek, so I can't really understand it, but his bottom line is worth noting for those of you who like to trade with the Matrix: "Matrix definitely has issues. It appears the data transfer to the window involves the message queue and a simple price print with no bids or asks can generate 12 messages in addition to the normal wm_paint message. Jiggle the mouse and for each incriment of movement you get the same flood. - At any rate, the matrix window message queue is being flooded with TS programatically generated messages when it is designed by MS to facilitate user input. Message handling is an expensive operation and i suspect this is causing most of the issues with the matrix window type. The chart windows operate normally - probably since their data is transfered differently and their message queue is used in a more standard MFC fashion. So at any rate, not much you can do, but would suggest that you only let the mouse enter the Matrix window when you intend to do something right then. Or be carefull not to touch it until you are ready to click."

http://tradersbase.com/video/flash.html

I'm not so sure that's the issue, maybe an added issue to many?
My fill recorded on the url above...I had a horrible fill and the cursor was no where near the matrix at time of execution.

[Greycells]

I’ve been using TS for 5 months now, but considering changing due to the unreliability of the data. Today I was waiting for a certain price to hit, for this I set up alerts in TS so that I do not have to constantly stare at the charts, anyway TS data started to run about 3 minutes late and to my surprise my broker’s alert fired off while entering my limit position, long before the TS chart even reached my entry price 3 minutes later. I use two brokers, not including TS, and both their data was identical, TS was 3 ES points out. I’m now on the lookout for an accurate charting system.

[jjthetrader]

	Quote:	Greycells
	I’ve been using TS for 5 months now, but considering changing due to the unreliability of the data. Today I was waiting for a certain price to hit, for this I set up alerts in TS so that I do not have to constantly stare at the charts, anyway TS data started to run about 3 minutes late and to my surprise my broker’s alert fired off while entering my limit position, long before the TS chart even reached my entry price 3 minutes later. I use two brokers, not including TS, and both their data was identical, TS was 3 ES points out. I’m now on the lookout for an accurate charting system.

This is not uncommon. TS support's solution is to log out and log back in and try to get on another one of their servers.
I would urge anyone relying on proper data to stay away from TS.
I'm so much happier since I left.

[MC]

	Quote:	jjthetrader
	This is not uncommon. TS support's solution is to log out and log back in and try to get on another one of their servers. I would urge anyone relying on proper data to stay away from TS. I'm so much happier since I left.

Who did you end up with?

I got my check from TS Saturday and am so glad to be done with them as a broker. Now I'm resting a bit and will probably go with Think or Swim.

[jjthetrader]

	Quote:	mcichocki_
	Who did you end up with? I got my check from TS Saturday and am so glad to be done with them as a broker. Now I'm resting a bit and will probably go with Think or Swim.

I went with Infinity. Love them. Lower margin, faster execution. However I was used to tradestation so it's all relative.

[MC]

	Quote:	jjthetrader
	I went with Infinity. Love them. Lower margin, faster execution. However I was used to tradestation so it's all relative.

Nice...when I move back to being ready for leverage Infinity is gonna be my broker of choice.

Relative to TS...trading shares on horseback would be better execution that TS at times.

[jjthetrader]

	Quote:	mcichocki_
	Nice...when I move back to being ready for leverage Infinity is gonna be my broker of choice. Relative to TS...trading shares on horseback would be better execution that TS at times.

Exactly, tradestation's order routing is through the foothills of Mexico via donkey.

[thrunner]

	Quote:	Pamela
	Just a bit of input.......I have been told by TS employees four times that they would call me back with info and have never gotten a return call......I attended 2 of their seminars; the first one was rated as appropriate for beginners, which turned out to be untrue. "Mike" was at the first one and was very responsive and professional. Stanley Dash, one of their 2 trainers, later held the seminar for beginners. I told him that I had come specifically to find out about using Radar, (yes, I watched the explanation online) and I was told that I was the only person in the room who did not already know how to use it; thus, he refused to cover it; then I went around and asked about 12 men there if they would mind explaining it to me and they each said they did not know how to use it. Also, I went to San Francisco for them, and while presenting, Stanley made several homo-phobic remarks, which I found highly unprofessional.

Welcome to the forum. May be you caught Stanley Dash on a bad day

	Quote:
	Posted - 02/06/2008 23:10:00 We were at the Las Vegas Trader's Expo in November 2007. A TradeStation salesperson was using what he called a real time simulator to show me how to do something using 8.3 . Trust me, they have it working. It is probably just a matter of time before they see a profit motive and release the feature to the public. Go see it first hand 2/16-19/2008 http://www.tradersexpo.com/traderexpo/newyork/ And be sure to say "hi" to Stanley Dash-he is a super nice guy! Each day in Vegas we came back with a fresh set of written questions for Stan and whatever he didn't have time to answer, he referred me to an available rep. Very personable folks who know going into these public shows that they wear a bull's eye. But please do not shoot the messenger(s)-they are not the decission makers on top. Be nice and respectful and they will try to help you. ~Amy bob5e 28 Posts Posted - 02/09/2008 23:55:04 I spoke to a rep the other day and he indicated the simulator was in Beta and would probably be released in the next couple of months. Cross your fingers . .

The next 'big thing' for TS now is a simulator? Their most pressing problem is data integrity and execution and they are coming out with a simulator that is about 4 years behind the competition?

[Armand]

	Quote:	Hlm
	My thoughts on CHEAP services- If you are looking for a cheap solid service Infinity is great. I have never had a problem with their execution and their charting software is only $26/mo. Even during FOMC announcements I have had a flawless feed. (Futures only though)

Hi Hlm,

Thanks for your post about Infinity. I noticed that they charge a $35.00 per month charge for inactivity. Do they require some minimum level of trades before some other fees kick in? Or is it $26 per month plus commissions only?

Thanks,
Armand

[jjthetrader]

	Quote:	Armand
	Hi Hlm, Thanks for your post about Infinity. I noticed that they charge a $35.00 per month charge for inactivity. Do they require some minimum level of trades before some other fees kick in? Or is it $26 per month plus commissions only? Thanks, Armand

I assume you're talking about if you go with charting? If you don't use their charting there is no inactivity fee that I know about. I don't use their charting so maybe there's a rule in there for that.