FAQ
By clicking on the <-links (shown on the left and if you don't see links… turn on javascript), this guide will give you a brief introduction to XLTrader Addin proper installation and usage. It assumes the user has a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and can at a bare minimum perform simple operations such as: CUT/COPY & PASTE. You do not need to know Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) although it may be required if these Add-ins for some reason do not work properly on your computer (see below) or you want to modify them to fit your particular needs.
What are Add-in's?
Each add-in is a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and associated VBA program. When a spreadsheet is converted to an Add-in, its extension is changed from .xls to .xla. Add-ins are spreadsheets that are hidden from view and have a .xla extension.
After you've installed an add-in, Its associated spreadsheet opens every time you start excel (but is not made visible to the user). Add-ins are easily uninstalled via the Tools:Add-ins… menu in excel. When an XLTRADER Add-in opens in excel, it puts a drop down menu next to the help menu (see the banner at the top of this page). The functionality of that add-in is accessible from this drop down menu. Additional XLTRADER Add-ins are added to that menu also.
What is the HLC_Template.xlt?
The HLC_Template is a critical part of the XLTRADER Add-in collection. You can save an XLTRADER document (spreadsheet) using any name you like but you should always start with the the HLC_Template template. The template has pre-defined charts (for Calendar day or Trading Days) which the XLTRADER Add-ins require. Also the template is "event enabled" which allows you to select points on the graphs using your mouse.
| WARNING... DO NOT CHANGE THE NAMES OF THE SHEETS (PAGES) IN THE TEMPLATE AND DO NOT DELETE OR INSERT ROWS OR COLUMNS |
Most XLTRADER Add-ins are designed for POINT-&-CLICK convenience. Advance users can also access the Add-in functionality through VBA and or through the standard excel INSERT:FUNTION…:User_Defined menu interface.
What if the Add-ins don't work on my system?
There are so many different permutations of Operating Systems and versions of Excel that I can't guarantee they will work with all of them. They've been developed on the earliest (windows) version of VBA capable excel (Office 97) on a computer running windows 98 and tested in Excel 2002 running in Windows™ XP. They are not compatible with Macintosh versions of Excel.
Can I modify these Add-ins?
I anticipate there will be users wanting to modify the VBA code to suite their particular needs. In fact some users may purchase the add-ins solely for the purpose of learning VBA. Permission is granted for the user to customize the code, provided these changes are not intended for resale. Although they can be used as such, XLTRADER Add-ins are not intended to be a "software - developer's toolkit". Permission is not granted for use of the VBA source code in derivative products intended for resale.
The passwords that unlock the VBA code are in passwords.txt file that is included in the download. A couple of the add-ins access XLL files. Those XLL's (TA-Lib.xll and xlCYCLE.xll), being compiled C++ code, are not viewable and or modifiable. The source code for the XLL's is NOT provided.
Where can I get additional Information or talk with other XLTRADER Add-in Users?
By joining our on-line google group you can ask questions. Learn by doing… the very best way to learn about XLTRADER add-ins is by "getting you hands dirty" and using them. Take your time. There is an incredible amount of information contained therein.
Data Downloader
