Why Use BlackBird vs. the NinjaTrader ATM

BlackBird unlocks advanced stop-loss trailing capabilities through an intuitive, step-by-step interface not found find anywhere else. Unlike basic ATM strategies, you can trigger complex trailing rules using a wide variety of real-time trading conditions. Explore BlackBird's advanced features here.

This help article applies when the BlackBird account node » Manage Trade Using is set to BlackBird Order Sets.

Order Set and Bracket Matching

The number of Trade Plan » Bracket(s) must match the number of BlackBird » Order Set(s).

Less Trade Plan » Brackets: If the Trade Plan has two Brackets, but BlackBird has four Order Sets, only the first two order sets will execute (Order Set A and B). Order Set C and D are omitted.

More Trade Plan » Brackets: If the Trade Plan has four Brackets, but BlackBird has three Order Sets (Order Set A, B, & C), a fourth Order Set will be submitted as the image shows.

Quantity Distribution

BlackBird matches the quantity distribution method of SharkSignals. Currently, the BlackBird » Order Set » Quantity Scaling algorithm is disabled.

When the quantity of the Signal exceeds the total Bracket quantity, the excess quantity is placed in Order Set A (Bracket 1).
Example: If the signal quantity is 5,

and the total Order Sets quantity equals 2,

the extra 3 contracts will be placed in Order Set A.

When the quantity of the Signal is less then the total Order Sets quantity, the quantity of Order Set A is filled first. The remaining quantity goes to Order Set B. The process repeats until no quantity remains.

Matching Bracket and Order Set Quantity

Due to the quantity distribution method, mentioned above, it is best practice to match the quantity between each Bracket and Order Set.

If the larger take profit Order Set has a higher quantity than the first (quick profit) Order Set, then the Trade Plan » Bracket quantity must match the Order Sets.

Match the quantity of each Bracket to the quantity of each Order Set.

Simple Example

This video shows an example using BlackBird with SharkSignals. The first half is all focused on BlackBird, and then the connection happens. It doesn’t cover all the bracket-related nuances, so be sure to read the rest of this page too.