AskBidTicks
AskBidTicks is a high-precision tick data collector EA that exports real-time Ask and Bid prices with timestamps to a CSV file. It uses the Windows kernel32.dll GetLocalTime function for millisecond-resolution timestamps, supporting multiple timestamp formats for microstructure analysis. The EA does not open any trades; it purely captures and logs tick data.
Open the interactive view (equity curve, symbol switch)Key facts
Backtest results (H1, about 1 year)
Not backtested yet — this EA could not be converted automatically.
Strategy analysis
This EA is not a trading strategy but a data collection utility. Its core function is to record the current Ask and Bid prices along with high-precision timestamps on every tick event, writing the data to a CSV file. Entry conditions are not applicable since the EA does not execute any trades. Exit conditions are similarly not applicable. Position sizing is not involved as there are no opening positions. Money management does not apply either, as the EA never uses account balance or risk management logic. The tool's true value lies in providing high-quality tick-level data for subsequent market microstructure analysis, with users able to choose among three timestamp formats: standard, millisecond system time, or relative milliseconds.
Strengths
- Millisecond-precision timestamps suitable for microstructure analysis
- Supports multiple delimiters and timestamp formats for flexible analysis needs
- Simple and efficient implementation with minimal resource consumption
- Real-time output to the toolbox window for convenient data stream monitoring
Weaknesses
- Depends on Windows kernel32.dll, cannot run on non-Windows platforms
- No file size limit or rolling write mechanism; long-running sessions may produce extremely large files
- Lacks error recovery; once the file handle is invalid, it cannot be recreated
- No data compression or binary format option; CSV storage is relatively inefficient
Possible improvements
- Add file size limits and automatic rolling split mechanism to prevent oversized files
- Add file handle closing logic in OnDeinit to ensure data is fully flushed to disk
- Support MQL5 native time functions as an alternative to kernel32.dll calls for cross-platform compatibility
Risk assessment
Overall risk: Safe
- No trading operations involved, zero financial risk
- Extended running may exhaust disk space
Evaluation scores
Parameters
| Parameter | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
FileName | Use default | Export CSV filename; defaults to date_symbol naming |
Delimiter | CSV_TAB | CSV delimiter: Tab, comma, or semicolon |
TimeStamp | MILLISECOND_MODE | Timestamp format: standard, ms system time, or relative ms only |
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Backtests are historical simulations and do not guarantee future results. Not financial advice.