How to Connect Interactive Brokers (IB) with DeepChart

Overview

DeepChart connects to Interactive Brokers (IB) using the Trader Workstation (TWS) API. To establish a successful connection, Trader Workstation must be properly configured and kept running while DeepChart is in use.

⚠️ Important:
Interactive Brokers data is aggregated, so it is not suitable for order-flow tools. IB should be used only for trade execution, while charts must be built using a separate dxFeed or Rithmic data feed.

Step 1: Download and Log In to Trader Workstation (TWS)

1. Download Trader Workstation (TWS) from the official Interactive Brokers website.

2. Log in using your Interactive Brokers account credentials.

3. Keep TWS open during the entire setup process.

Step 2: Configure TWS API Settings

1. In Trader Workstation, go to:
   Edit → Global Configuration → API → Settings

2. Enable API access and configure the settings exactly as shown in the reference images, including:

   • Enable ActiveX and Socket Clients

Step 3: Configure Trusted IP Settings

1. Uncheck the option:
   “Allow connections from localhost only”

2. Click Create and add the IP address:
   127.0.0.1

3. After adding the IP:

   • Re-check “Allow connections from localhost only”

4. Click Apply

5. Click Yes, then OK

✅ Your TWS API settings are now configured.

Important Requirement

🚨 Trader Workstation must remain open
If TWS is closed, DeepChart will not be able to connect to Interactive Brokers.

Step 4: Add Interactive Brokers in DeepChart

1. Open DeepChart

2. Go to Feed Settings
   

1. Click Add Connection
   

1. Enter a name for the feed
   

1. Select Interactive Brokers as the feed source
   

DeepChart will automatically populate the required settings.

✔️ Verify that the settings match the reference image.

6. Click Save

Step 5: Connect IB and Data Feed Together

After saving:

• You will see Interactive Brokers in your feed list

• Connect the IB feed

⚠️ Critical Step (Very Important)
You must also connect a separate market data feed:

• dxFeed or

• Rithmic

Why This Is Required

Interactive Brokers provides aggregated market data, which:

• Cannot build accurate order-flow tools

• Cannot be used for footprint, delta, or volume analysis

📌 IB is used only for trade execution, not chart construction.

Step 6: Select Exchange Data Feed for Charts

1. Go to:
   Options → Symbol Manager

2. Set Exchange Data Feed to:

   • dxFeed or

   • Rithmic

3. This ensures charts are built from high-quality tick data

Step 7: Trade Using Interactive Brokers

1. Open a chart

2. In the Trading Panel:

   • Select Interactive Brokers as the broker

   • Select your IB trading account

3. Execute trades normally

Charts will be built from dxFeed or Rithmic, while orders will be sent through Interactive Brokers.

Summary