Skip to main content

How I geeked my Metastock with AutoHotKey

One thing about Metastock that drives me crazy is lack of keyboard shortcuts. And if there are any; I am not aware of any of them. So, finally, I decided to geek myself out of this headache.

1. Downloaded and installed a software called AutoHotKey (http://www.autohotkey.com/download/)
2. Noted down the screen co-ordinates of the "clicks" I wanted to convert into keyboard shortcuts
3. Updated the default script file with a very simple one line commands for executing the clicks
4. Now, the keyboard shortcuts work well, I dont have to click

The syntax of the script:

#IfWinActive ahk_class MetaStockMainWnd
#z::Click 892,651
#IfWinActive

Where MetaStockMainWnd defines the active window where the 'clicks' should be made. If this window is not active, these keyboard commands will not work. so, these commands will work only if the Metastock window is active. "#z" stands for Windows + Z. The coordinates are for the zoom-reset button.

My starting script is as follows:

#IfWinActive ahk_class MetaStockMainWnd
#z::Click 892,651
#x::Click 910,651
#C::Click 927,651
#V::Click 950,651
#N::Click 966,651
#P::Click 15,99
#L::Click 15,150
#k::Click 14,121
#o::Click 14,171
#d::Click 264,61
#IfWinActive

Keyboard shortcuts and mnemonics:

[In Metastock buttons in order from left to right]

Zoom reset - Windows + Z (for Undo Zoom)
Zoom Out - Windows + X
Zoom In - Windows + C (for Closer look)
Previous - Windows + V (for pre_V_ious)
Next - Windows + N (for Next)
Scrip selector - Windows + S (for Scrips)

Other clicks:

Pointer - Windows + P (for Pointer)
Line - Windows + L (Line!)
Crosshair - Windows + K (for Krosshairs)
Horizontal - Windows + O (for O_rizontal line)
Data window - Windows + D (for Data)

Limitations of this script:

AutoHotKey's Click function works based on screen cooridinates. I have configured it to my screen resolution (1024x768). If your co-ordinates are different the results will be different.
The keys can be configured using the script file. It's a 1-second job.

A serious limitation:

One serious limitation of this is, which I have not tested though, if another window pops up while the computer executing the order, the 'click' will be made in that window. To me it simply means, this should not be used simlutaneously with the live trading/banking screen.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How-to overcome sendentary lifestyle.

Some interesting points on overcoming sedentary lifestyle. There are many other routine ones, just try googling that. 1. Some not so routine tips on avoiding the sedentary lifestyle 2. Walking while talking on phone is a good way to get expressive and burn calories too. 3. Don't use the phone to call someone a short walking distance away. Walk and visit whenever possible. Same for grocery shopping. 4. Catch a different bus that makes you walk a bit more. You can catch a bus from a different stop, a little farther from your regular stop. 5. Pacing the length of the subway platform whenever the train/bus is late. 6. Dance Source: from various places on net
Post a Comment
Read more

Net Neutrality - Fight for free expression

The "Net neutrality" issue, where we fear networks/infrastructure providers will decide (euphemism for censorship) what customers will read/watch/listen/buy on net. Many of the features that we fear in the "Net-neutrality" have already been implemented across various other platforms like telecom. For example, my telecom service provider has blocked the competitors GPRS sites and also does not allow access to many other sites on Internet, from where the free goodies like mobile applications, software, games, wallpapers, tones etc can be downloaded. This leaves me with the only service provider for above products, the service provider himself. This is totally blocking my freedom and my right to choose. This is just a glimpse; with "Net-neutrality" issues at stake are enormous. There should be no way; any entity (maybe, other than individual governments.) should be able to determine what is accessible and what is not. :) Falkor
Post a Comment
Read more

Definition of Cult Stocks

From a blog: A classification describing stocks that have a sizable investor following, despite the fact that the underlying company has somewhat insignificant fundamentals. Typically, investors are initially attracted to the company's potential and accumulate positions in speculation that its potential will be fulfilled, providing the investors with a substantial payout. While most of these cult stocks promise they will be the next big story after they make a new discovery or get the newest contract from the government, most do not provide investors with anything other than the story. Furthermore, these stocks typically generate very little, if any, revenue at all. For example, many micro-cap biotech stocks are cult stocks. While they promise that they are going to be working on a miracle compound or drug, most of them do not have any source of income as they slowly burn away their initial capital in research and development. However, some cult stocks do occasionally make good on...
Post a Comment
Read more