This is the configuration utility for the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in. We recommend that new users read and understand the documentation contained in this program before proceeding.  Doing so will acquaint you with the overall concept and use of the plug-in.  If you understand how something works before you start using it, your experience will generally be much more positive and productive.  On the other hand, those that skip the documentation and try "wingin' it" will more often than not find the use of this plug-in baffling and incur one problem after another.

MetaStock, itself, can be installed anywhere on your computer.  The plug-in will be installed to the proper directory for MetaStock's use.  On the other hand, do yourself a favor.  If at all possible, install the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in to the default directories at least initially until you get the hang of things.  You can always change your configuration later.

Without the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in, using data directly from a comma delimited data file within Metastock is not possible.  To use statistics generated externally to MetaStock, users are limited to MetaStock format price files containing only six columns of statistics (a total of ten values, but only six actual statistics).  Additionally, getting your data into MetaStock format price files is cumbersome at best.  Finally, no matter what the values in a MetaStock format price actually represent, you must use the field names "open", "high", "low", "close", "volume" and "o/i".  You can store any values you want in these fields, but are stuck with these names.  These names are often confusing and always very limiting.  Imagine using "Volume" in a MetaStock custom indicator when the actual statistic is new highs.  Imagine returning to this function in a year and trying to remember what it means.

The MasterDATA Composite Full Plug-in allows you to use our historical composite breadth  .csv format datafiles directly in MetaStock without import or conversion.  You specify a meaningful statistic name (for instance "Advances", "DecliningVolume" or "NewHighs") within one of two very simple MasterDATA Composite Plug-in formulas.  Transparently to you, MetaStock sends the plug-in the following information:

The plug-in receives the above information, finds the column of data values by its name, date synchronizes that data with the symbol's price data, and returns the value to MetaStock.  MetaStock then calculates your function.  Although this sounds rather lengthy, the entire process is extremely fast, actually faster than using downloaded end of day price files, even if you are using numerous plug-in formulas in your MetaStock function.

In conjunction with the MasterDATAlink downloader program, the entire process of updating your historical composite breadth datafiles and using them within MetaStock is extremely dependable and may be entirely automated if you wish.  Certainly, if you encounter any issues or have questions, email us at support@masterdata.com.