# Help & Quick Start

A quick guide to reading signals, choosing settings, and troubleshooting.

## Start in 60 Seconds

1. Set a symbol like `AAPL` or `BTC-USD`.
2. Choose `Timeframe` (`1d` is a good default) and `Period` (`6mo`).
3. Keep `Ignore potentially live last bar` enabled.
4. Review trend status and chart markers.
5. Use Export to download CSV/PDF outputs.

## Signal Rules

real_bull close above previous high real_bear close below previous low fake close inside previous range

- Trend starts after 2 consecutive real bars in the same direction.
- Trend reverses only after 2 consecutive opposite real bars.
- Fake bars are noise and do not reverse trend.

## Data Settings

### Core fields

- `Symbol`: ticker or pair, e.g. `AAPL`, `MSFT`, `BTC-USD`.
- `Timeframe`: candle size. Start with `1d` for cleaner swings.
- `Period`: amount of history to load. Start with `6mo`.
- `Max bars`: limits loaded candles for speed and chart readability.

### Optional filters

- `Use previous body range`: ignores wick-only breakouts.
- `Enable volume filter`: treats low-volume bars as fake.
- `Hide market-closed gaps`: recommended ON for stocks.
- `Enable auto-refresh`: useful for live monitoring only.

## Chart Reading

- Green triangle-up markers show `real_bull` bars.
- Red triangle-down markers show `real_bear` bars.
- Gray candles (if enabled) de-emphasize fake/noise bars.
- Volume bars are color-coded by trend state.

## Troubleshooting

- If no data appears, verify ticker format (for example `BTC-USD`, not `BTCUSD`).
- If results look noisy, switch to `1d` and reduce optional filters.
- If trend seems delayed, remember trend transitions require two real bars.
- This tool is analysis-only and does not place trades.