Trend Catcher with Alert System in MQL5

Introduction

Imagine navigating market trends with a precision trend navigator, automatically detecting signals and executing trades to capture directional moves. The Trend Catcher with Alert EA is your advanced trading tool, designed to automate trend-following on MetaTrader 5 using a custom indicator (“Market\Trend Catcher With Alert MT5”). Upon initialization ("OnInit()", "iCustom()", "handleTrendCatcher"), it sets up the indicator and, on each new bar ("OnTick()", "iBars()"), checks for buy/sell signals ("UPTrendArrow", "DOWNTrendArrow") to open 0.01-lot trades ("obj_Trade.Buy()", "obj_Trade.Sell()") with 300-pip stop loss (SL) and take profit (TP) ("Bid-300*_Point", "Ask+300*_Point"). It uses a mathematical threshold ("exp(100)") to validate signals and provides notifications via "Print()". Managed via "CTrade", this strategy suits traders seeking automated trend-based trading, requiring the custom indicator file and sufficient account balance for small positions.

This article is crafted with a professional, engaging, and seamless narrative, flowing like a well-calibrated trend navigator, designed to inform and captivate readers. Tailored for both novice and experienced traders, we’ll dissect each code component with clear, precise explanations, as if guiding an apprentice navigator through a trend-following project. With vivid examples—like trading EURUSD on an uptrend—and a polished tone, we’ll explore how the EA initializes, detects signals, executes trades, and ensures cleanup. Using a precision trend navigator metaphor, this guide will illuminate the code’s technical rigor, empowering you to trade trends with confidence. Let’s activate the system and begin this trend-following expedition!

Strategy Blueprint

Let’s outline the EA’s trading framework, like drafting specifications for a trend navigator:

• Initialization: Sets up a custom trend indicator ("iCustom()", "handleTrendCatcher") in "OnInit()".

• Signal Detection: Checks for buy/sell signals ("UPTrendArrow", "DOWNTrendArrow", "CopyBuffer()") on new bars ("iBars()") using a mathematical threshold ("exp(100)").

• Trade Execution: Opens 0.01-lot buy/sell trades ("obj_Trade.Buy()", "obj_Trade.Sell()") with 300-pip SL/TP when signals are detected.

• Notifications: Logs trade actions (e.g., “buy signal”) via "Print()".

• Execution: Processes signals in "OnTick()", ensuring trades align with new bars.

• Enhancements: Adding configurable lot sizes, SL/TP, or signal thresholds could improve flexibility. This framework automates trend-following with precision, capturing market moves efficiently.

Code Implementation

Let’s step into the trend navigator hub and dissect the MQL5 code that powers this Trend Catcher with Alert EA. We’ll guide you through each phase like expert navigators, ensuring the narrative flows seamlessly with professional clarity and engaging precision that captivates readers. We’ll cover initialization, signal detection, trade execution, and cleanup, with detailed explanations and examples—like trading EURUSD on an uptrend—to make it accessible for beginners. Each phase will build on the last, crafting a cohesive technical narrative that transforms code into a compelling trend-following project. Let’s power up the system and begin!

Phase 1: Constructing the Framework—Initialization

We start by building the trading system, initializing the custom indicator.

//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
//|                                 TREND CATCHER WITH ALERT MT5.mq5 |
//|                           Copyright 2025, Allan Munene Mutiiria. |
//|                                   https://t.me/Forex_Algo_Trader |
//+------------------------------------------------------------------+
#property copyright "Copyright 2025, Allan Munene Mutiiria."
#property link      "https://t.me/Forex_Algo_Trader"
#property version   "1.00"

#include <Trade/Trade.mqh>
CTrade obj_Trade;

int handleTrendCatcher;
double UPTrendArrow[];
double DOWNTrendArrow[];

int OnInit(){
   handleTrendCatcher = iCustom(_Symbol,_Period,"Market\\Trend Catcher With Alert MT5");
   if (handleTrendCatcher==INVALID_HANDLE) return (INIT_FAILED);
   return(INIT_SUCCEEDED);
}

The system begins with the #property header, establishing copyright and contact details, like calibrating a trend navigator’s core. The "OnInit()" function initializes the setup, including "Trade/Trade.mqh" for trading ("CTrade", "obj_Trade") and creating a handle for the custom indicator ("iCustom()", "handleTrendCatcher", path “Market\Trend Catcher With Alert MT5”). If the handle is invalid ("INVALID_HANDLE"), it returns INIT_FAILED. Returning INIT_SUCCEEDED signals, “Navigator is ready, let’s catch trends!” This primes the EA for signal-based trading, like a navigator poised for action. Note: The code uses MetaQuotes’ copyright, but your metadata is presented for consistency.

Phase 2: Detecting Trends—Processing Signals

We check for trend signals to trigger trades, like navigating market directions.

void OnTick(){
   double Ask = NormalizeDouble(SymbolInfoDouble(_Symbol,SYMBOL_ASK),_Digits);
   double Bid = NormalizeDouble(SymbolInfoDouble(_Symbol,SYMBOL_BID),_Digits);
   int currentBars = iBars(_Symbol,_Period);
   static int prevBars = 0;
   if (prevBars == currentBars) return;
   prevBars = currentBars;
   CopyBuffer(handleTrendCatcher,2,0,3,UPTrendArrow);
   CopyBuffer(handleTrendCatcher,3,0,3,DOWNTrendArrow);
   double exp_no = exp(709.78271);
   Print("OUR EXP NO = ",exp_no);
   Print(UPTrendArrow[2]);
   if (UPTrendArrow[1] < exp(100)){
      Print("_________buy signal+___________");
      obj_Trade.Buy(0.01,_Symbol,Ask,Bid-300*_Point,Bid+300*_Point);
   }
   else if (DOWNTrendArrow[1] < exp(100)){
      Print("_________sell signal+___________");
      obj_Trade.Sell(0.01,_Symbol,Bid,Ask+300*_Point,Ask-300*_Point);
   }
}

In the signal detection hub, "OnTick()" retrieves current prices ("SymbolInfoDouble()", "NormalizeDouble()") and checks for new bars ("iBars()", "currentBars", "prevBars"), exiting if no new bar exists. It copies three values from the custom indicator’s buffers ("CopyBuffer()", buffers 2 and 3 for "UPTrendArrow", "DOWNTrendArrow") and evaluates signals using a threshold ("exp(100)", approximately 2.7^100). If "UPTrendArrow[1] < exp(100)", it logs “buy signal” ("Print()") and opens a 0.01-lot buy trade ("obj_Trade.Buy()") at ask with SL=bid-300 pips, TP=bid+300 pips. If "DOWNTrendArrow[1] < exp(100)", it logs “sell signal” and opens a sell trade at bid with SL=ask+300 pips, TP=ask-300 pips. A large exponential ("exp(709.78271)") is printed, possibly for debugging. For example, on EURUSD H1, a buy signal at ask=1.2050 sets SL=1.1750, TP=1.2350, like a navigator plotting a bullish course.

Phase 3: Shutting Down the System—Cleaning Up Resources

As our expedition concludes, we shut down the system, ensuring resource release.

void OnDeinit(const int reason){
}

In the shutdown control room, "OnDeinit()" is empty, as only the indicator handle ("handleTrendCatcher") and arrays ("UPTrendArrow", "DOWNTrendArrow") are used, requiring no explicit cleanup (MetaTrader 5 handles indicator release). For completeness, a cleanup could be added:

void OnDeinit(const int reason){
   if (handleTrendCatcher != INVALID_HANDLE){
      IndicatorRelease(handleTrendCatcher);
   }
}

This would release the indicator handle ("IndicatorRelease()") explicitly, like powering down the navigator cleanly.

Why This EA is a Trend Navigator Triumph

The Trend Catcher with Alert EA is a trend-following triumph, automating trade entries with precision, like a master-crafted navigator. Its custom indicator signals ("UPTrendArrow", "DOWNTrendArrow") and fixed risk parameters (300*_Point) ensure disciplined trading, with potential for configurable settings or enhanced alerts. Picture opening a buy on EURUSD at 1.2050 on an uptrend signal—strategic brilliance! Beginners will value the automated simplicity, while experts can enhance its flexibility, making it essential for trend-focused traders.

Putting It All Together

To deploy this EA:

1. Ensure the custom indicator (“Market\Trend Catcher With Alert MT5”) is installed in MetaTrader 5’s MQL5\Indicators\Market folder.

2. Open MetaEditor, like entering your trend navigator hub.

3. Copy the code, compile with F5, and verify no errors—no navigator wants a faulty system!

4. Attach the EA to your chart (e.g., EURUSD H1) to monitor for trend signals and open trades.

5. Monitor logs (e.g., “buy signal+”) for trade actions.

6. Test on a demo account first—real capital deserves a trial run!

Conclusion

We’ve engineered a Trend Catcher with Alert system that navigates trends with precision, like a master-crafted navigator. This MQL5 code is your strategic tool, brought to life with a seamless, professional narrative packed with clear explanations and vivid examples to fuel your trading confidence. Whether you’re a novice trader or a seasoned market strategist, this EA empowers you to capture trends with ease. Ready to navigate? Watch our video guide on the website for a step-by-step creation process. Now, chart your trading with precision! 🔍

Disclaimer: Trading is like navigating complex markets—challenging and risky. Losses can exceed deposits. Test strategies on a demo account before going live.