Commsec ProTrader1 - FAQ and Tips

[RichKid]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Thanks tek,
I thought it was 026. I am downloading atm. but only sending me V 024 again (no broadband yet so it takes an age) Dont know why its picking up on 024 cause I only just downoaded the "latest" msi file from the comsec website....maybe my shortcut is picking up on the earlier 024 msi files still on my computer (although I have deleted the programme totally twice in the last 24 hours to start fresh)
Anyway its still loading atm so I'll see how it goes

Re the Older version:- Is it possible to actually download the whole version so I dont have to keep "downloading" the upgraded crook version all the time? Cheers.

Hi Barney

Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems.

Imho PT1 beats PT2 hands down, I say this eventhough I haven't used PT2 recently because PT2's extra bells and whistles (eg extra charting tools and an options tools) don't have much added value compared to it's inability to perform basic functions reliably and quickly.

PM me about getting the file you need for running PT1, it's an old file so hopefully it'll work, you'll probably need to do the forced upgrades as soon as you install it, let me know how you go- PT1 sets the standard to beat for the moment imo, not perfect but stable, if only they'd improved it without re-inventing the wheel.

 

[sinic]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Like many others it seems I get frustrated with the slowness of PT2. Does anyone know if you can still get hold of a working copy of PT1 - and can it be used at the same time as PT2 -eiher on the same computer or another?

 

[RichKid]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Like many others it seems I get frustrated with the slowness of PT2. Does anyone know if you can still get hold of a working copy of PT1 - and can it be used at the same time as PT2 -eiher on the same computer or another?

Hi Sinic

I think I found a link to the PT1 download, I think you can use both at once but I'm not certain, don't forget to save you watchlists, desktop, templates, charts etc in case something goes wrong (will be in the protrader folder on your hdd): http://images.comsec.com.au/downloads/protrader/protraderinstall.exe

 

[cuttlefish]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

I've got both installed on my home computer and can use one or the other (don't think I've tried running them at the same time). I still use PT1 - its fast and reliable, I find PT2 pretty annoying - but I logged into PT2 the other evening to do some charting 'cos PT1 was playing up - and had to run an upgrade to PT2 to use it, and now in PT 1 I've lost my desktop configurations. (no big deal but seems to indicate they're capable of treading on each others toes).

 

[RichKid]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

I've got both installed on my home computer and can use one or the other (don't think I've tried running them at the same time). I still use PT1 - its fast and reliable, I find PT2 pretty annoying - but I logged into PT2 the other evening to do some charting 'cos PT1 was playing up - and had to run an upgrade to PT2 to use it, and now in PT 1 I've lost my desktop configurations. (no big deal but seems to indicate they're capable of treading on each others toes).

cuttlefish
Yes, PT1 does stuff up as well but not that badly, I lost my desktop as well recently so it may have nothing to do with PT2- or we may both have accidentally deleted the desktop template while running PT1 (there's a button at the top showing the desktop config you're using, you can save different layouts as you know). I now save a copy of the desktop config file elsewhere on my hdd so I can replace the file if it gets deleted from the main Protrader folder.

 

[SevenFX]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

cuttlefish
Yes, PT1 does stuff up as well but not that badly, I lost my desktop as well recently so it may have nothing to do with PT2- or we may both have accidentally deleted the desktop template while running PT1

Hi Richkid,

[Two] traders having the same problem would be a "freaky" BUT [three, possible many more] is not freaky Tis a problem with the Commsec Develpers.

cuttlefish
I now save a copy of the desktop config file elsewhere on my hdd so I can replace the file if it gets deleted from the main Protrader folder.

Can you tell us all where the file is and what it restores, eg watchlists, charts, depths, cos's and layouts, positions.

I also save multipe watchlists of the same stocks and even multiple worksheets when they get corrupted.

 

[ezyTrader]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

A question, I have PT2. I don't really like the Java-ish windows - slow and clunky. Is PT1 a better user interface?
Would I be able to load PT1 without uninstalling PT2?

 

[Private Investor]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Hi eT

I'm using PT2 on a home pc running Windows ME and it works fine.

It still freezes up occassionally but so did PT1. Restarting PT usually fixes the problem.

Personally, I always delete the previous version of PT before installing an upgrade. On my PC, all the saved desktops and watchlists are stored in

C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Commsec\ProfessionalTrader

so you could run into some problems running both PT1 and PT2 if PT1 and PT2 use the same file names and folders to store saved desktops, watchlists etc etc.

The above folder is not automatically cleaned out or deleted when you uninstall PT or when you install an upgrade so your saved desktops and watchlists should be carried over to any upgrade.

Overall, I'm very happy with the performance of PT2 on my pc.

Comsec's PT tech notes say you need Windows XP to run PT2 but luckily it still runs on ME. I will upgrade to Microsoft's Vista when it comes out next year.

 

[TraderPro]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

I found that if you have a very slow connection - like a standard 56K modem connection or a throttled down adsl connection (once you've reached your limit), the upgrade will tend to freeze up.

But if you have a fast connection, like the one I have at uni or what people have at work, or even a fast adsl broadband connection - you would have no probs...

CommSec should have some mechanism for their program to progressively download components - because when it freezes when you download the program and you restart it - the download starts all the way from the beginning.

 

[SevenFX]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

On my PC, all the saved desktops and watchlists are stored in C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Commsec\ProfessionalTrader

I found file under Windows XP here.
C:\Documents and Settings\Genuser\Local Settings\Application Data\CommSec\Professional Trader
Note: you may need to unhide your protected files under XP.

 

[Private Investor]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

I found that if you have a very slow connection - like a standard 56K modem connection or a throttled down adsl connection (once you've reached your limit), the upgrade will tend to freeze up.

But if you have a fast connection, like the one I have at uni or what people have at work, or even a fast adsl broadband connection - you would have no probs...

CommSec should have some mechanism for their program to progressively download components - because when it freezes when you download the program and you restart it - the download starts all the way from the beginning.

Hi traderpro,

Running PT on a dial-up or slow connection can be a real pain.

But PT's system requirements says that PT is specifically designed to be run on a fast broadband connection.

I assume that is because of the truck load of data that goes back and forth constantly updating watchlists, announcement headlines etc in real-time and not because of the size of the software upgrade which are only about 9Mb atm. Downloading the upgrades takes about 5-10 secs on broadband.

Given the above, I wish you luck but I doubt you will receive a sympathetic ear if you ask Commsec to set up a "download manager" for slow internet connections.

 

[ezyTrader]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

I've just installed PT1 on another machine. Apart from a few blips (error screens - which I ignored), the interface appears to be faster than PT2.

Only advantage PT2 has for me, is the more advanced charting features. Otherwise, it tests my patience in the loading process. (I'm spoilt for my 1.5mbps ADSL access).

PT2 should be faster, IMO. But Java is REALLY clunky!
Hope the Commsec techs will improve the speed and reliability soon...

 

[sinic]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Thanks Richkid,
I downloaded the PT1 and it all seemed to work. Also I could run PT2 at the same time on an XP machine. I guess they will pull the plug on pt1 eventually - but in the mean time it might get me out of trouble when PT2 plays up.
Cheers

 

[barney]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Hi Sinic

I think I found a link to the PT1 download, I think you can use both at once but I'm not certain, don't forget to save you watchlists, desktop, templates, charts etc in case something goes wrong (will be in the protrader folder on your hdd): http://images.comsec.com.au/downloads/protrader/protraderinstall.exe

Hi R/K, Just thought I'd let you know I downloaded PT1 as well, from the URL you posted here, and used it today no problems......Thanks for that, and your previous help. It is a slightly different "feel" to PT2 but once you get used to it......its v good......Cheers, Barney.

 

[pete152]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Hello,
I think the PT1 is the better for me to use. It is a good layout with everything where you need it.
Cheers,
Peter

 

[SevenFX]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Just wondering if anyone knows whether you can use Commsec as the data feed for packages like Metastock, instead of using their notsoProtrader2...

I use 3 monitors, with multiple charts, depths, etc open at once, and wouldn't want to go back to simple single chart, depth.

It's just 2 flakey and will come unstuck in the worst times, hence affecting ones focus & trades.

p.s I'm no programmer, but do I need some sort of api or something...????

If there was any way to do this, I'ld love to hear.

Thanks
Cheers

 

[RichKid]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

Just wondering if anyone knows whether you can use Commsec as the data feed for packages like Metastock, instead of using their notsoProtrader2...

I use 3 monitors, with multiple charts, depths, etc open at once, and wouldn't want to go back to simple single chart, depth.

It's just 2 flakey and will come unstuck in the worst times, hence affecting ones focus & trades.

p.s I'm no programmer, but do I need some sort of api or something...????

If there was any way to do this, I'ld love to hear.

Thanks
Cheers

Would be great if we could take that data and feed it into MS automatically but I have a feeling it's not that easy (and is probably not legit), you can manually download stock data, just checkout the commsec online platform.

 

[cuttlefish]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

since the upgrade to the asx systems on Monday I'm still getting problems in depth displays in pt1. In pt2 seems to be ok, but shows each individual order in the queue - which is good but also difficult to see the aggragate amount at each price level at a glance.

In PT1 it shows bids and offers in the wrong order and has sometimes has different values to reality (PT2 seems to show reality at the moment). Also still not seeing buy/sell condition codes in course of sales data in PT1. (PT2 works ok).

Anyone else experiencing this at the moment?

 

[barney]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

since the upgrade to the asx systems on Monday I'm still getting problems in depth displays in pt1. In pt2 seems to be ok, but shows each individual order in the queue - which is good but also difficult to see the aggragate amount at each price level at a glance.

In PT1 it shows bids and offers in the wrong order and has sometimes has different values to reality (PT2 seems to show reality at the moment). Also still not seeing buy/sell condition codes in course of sales data in PT1. (PT2 works ok).

Anyone else experiencing this at the moment?

Hi :fish: (Do you like my use of visual aids?)

I was having the same problems with PT1 yesterday as well.........bit weird seeing a sell order half way up the screen at a lower price than a dozen or so orders in front of it Cheers, Barney.

 

[YOUNG_TRADER]

Re: Commsec ProTrader - FAQ and Tips

I can someone please post up the link to the new PT Optional upgrade (those who are familiar with this thread will remember that my computer closes any windows that PT open up as it thinks they are pop ups very annoying!)


Thanks in advance