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Quick Start with BananaEA

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This quick start is for BananaEA Version 4. The latest stable Version 4 release is v4.5.1. Do not use Version 5 .set files with Version 4.

This is the fastest single-path setup. Install the EA, attach it to a chart, load one preset, enable Auto Trading, and you're done.

One Path, Four Steps​

  1. Install BananaEA in MT4

    • Download the latest BananaEA.zip from Customer Portal
    • Extract the zip and copy the MQL4 folder to your MT4 Terminal directory
    • Click "Yes to All" when prompted to merge files
    • Restart MT4
    • Fresh MT4 install? If the dashboard looks clipped, tiny, or buttons do not line up, apply the MT4 High DPI compatibility fix.
    • See: Installation Guide for detailed steps

  2. Attach BananaEA to a chart

    • Open the Navigator (Ctrl+N) → Experts → drag BananaEA onto your chart.
    • In the dialog, allow "Allow live trading" as appropriate.
    • ✨ NEW (v4.4.4): EA starts in PAUSED mode for safety - YOU control when trading begins!

  3. Load a preset file (.set)

    • Right-click your chart → Expert Advisors → Properties → Inputs → Load.
    • Choose a preset from your MQL4/Presets/ folder.
    • Don't have one yet? Get one here: iTradeAims Optimization Sets

  4. Enable Auto Trading & Activate EA

    • Turn on the Auto Trading button (it should be green).
    • ✅ Click the TC button to activate - EA starts in PAUSED mode (v4.4.4 safety feature)
    • TC button cycles: PAUSED → AUTO → MANAGE → PAUSED (v4.4.1 three-state control)
    • The BananaEA panel will appear and start operating with your loaded preset.

First-Time MT4 Display Fix​

On some fresh MT4 installations, Windows starts MT4 with default display scaling. If the BananaEA object-based dashboard is misaligned, clipped, too small, or hard to click, close MT4 and set terminal.exe to use High DPI scaling override -> System.

Use the full step-by-step guide here: MT4 High DPI compatibility fix.

What to Expect​

  • Automated mode (Magic Number not 0): EA scans for valid patterns, places orders per preset logic, sets SL/TP, and manages exits.
  • Trade Management Mode (Magic Number 0): EA manages your existing manual trades, applies SL/TP, and updates within about 1-2 seconds.

Quick Tips​

  • Start on a demo account for about a week.
  • Use the Balanced preset first; change one setting at a time.
  • Keep per-trade risk ≤ 2% and begin with small sizes.
  • Consider a VPS if you want 24/5 operation.

Next Steps​

Go deeper here: Installation Guide → Strategy Presets → Risk Management

Questions? Community Help​

Use Discord for setup questions, troubleshooting, and user discussion:

Join Discord

Setup help • Troubleshooting • User discussion • Documentation updates