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Crystal Copycat ULTIMATE v4.50 — Complete User Guide

8 September 2025, 08:40

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This guide explains how to install, configure, and use Crystal Copycat ULTIMATE v4.50 on MetaTrader 5. It is written for money managers, prop-firm traders, signal providers, and advanced retail users who need a local, fast, and reliable trade copier on a single PC/VPS. The copier supports one MASTER sending trades to up to 10 SLAVES.

1) What the Copier Does (in one minute)

You run at least two MT5 terminals on the same computer/VPS.
One terminal is MASTER (source). Other terminals are SLAVES (receivers).
When a new order appears on the MASTER (market or pending), the copier writes a small signal file in the MT5 Common folder.
Each SLAVE reads that file and opens/modifies/closes the same trade according to your volume and risk rules.
No DLLs, no internet API. Everything is local and fast.

Tip: “Local” means all MT5 terminals use the same Windows user account and share the same MT5 Common folder.

2) Requirements Checklist

Windows PC or VPS (stable internet; 24/7 for live use)
MetaTrader 5 (hedging account type recommended)
All terminals installed under the same Windows user
Enough free disk space (signal files are tiny)
You know your broker’s min lot, lot step, stop levels
Optional: RDP/AnyDesk to manage the VPS remotely

3) Quick Start (5 steps)

Install the EA on all terminals (one MASTER + up to 10 SLAVES). Attach the EA to any chart (H1 or M15 is fine). One chart per terminal is enough.
On the MASTER: set Operation Mode = MASTER. Set Number of Slaves = 1…10 (how many receivers you will use).
On each SLAVE: set Operation Mode = SLAVE and Slave Number = 1…10 (each slave has a unique number).
Choose Volume Mode on each SLAVE (Fixed, Equity-ratio, or Risk-percent). If using Risk-percent, set a Default SL (pips) for sizing when the incoming trade has no SL yet.
If symbols differ across brokers, fill Symbol Mapping (e.g., XAUUSD=XAUUSD.r ). Enable Algo Trading and check the dashboard.

Result: When the MASTER opens or modifies a trade, the SLAVES follow within moments.

4) How Local Communication Works

The MASTER writes trade information into a small text file inside the MT5 Common folder.
Each SLAVE reads from its own signal file (e.g., slave1_signals.dat , slave2_signals.dat , … slave10_signals.dat ).
The copier uses retry & back-off to handle brief file locks (e.g., antivirus or Windows).
Time-sync ignore option helps if terminals show small clock differences.
Automatic cleanup keeps files small during long sessions.

5) Dashboard — What You See On Chart

MASTER

Mode: MASTER
Trades/Signals sent
Number of configured slaves
Symbol mapping count

SLAVE

Mode: SLAVE + Slave Number
Received / Success / Failed counts
Success rate (%)
Current drawdown (%) and risk status
Default SL (pips) in use (for Risk-percent sizing when needed)
File warnings (if any)
Optional time-sync status

If there is a problem, the dashboard usually shows why (file busy, min equity hit, drawdown limit, symbol not found, etc.).

6) All Inputs — Summary

A. General

Operation Mode: MASTER or SLAVE (role of this terminal)
Number of Slaves (MASTER only): 1–10 (prepares the right files)
Slave Number (SLAVE only): 1–10 (unique per slave)
Magic Number (optional): Internal trade ID (keep unique if running other EAs)
Ignore Time Sync (optional): Avoids warnings if clocks differ a little

B. Symbols & Mapping

Symbol Mapping (optional): Pairs separated by commas.
Example: XAUUSD=XAUUSD.r,EURUSD=EURUSD.m,US30=US30.cash
Left = MASTER symbol, Right = SLAVE symbol.
If empty, the copier tries to detect common names. For best reliability, fill mappings manually.

C. Volume & Risk

Volume Mode (choose one per SLAVE):
1. Fixed Lot — Every trade uses your set lot (e.g., 0.10).
2. Equity-Ratio — Lot ≈ (Slave Equity / Master Equity) × Master Lot.
3. Risk-Percent — Lot from risk % and SL distance. If no SL comes from MASTER, use Default SL (pips) for sizing.
Fixed Lot Size (Fixed mode): exact lot per trade.
Default SL (pips): fallback distance for sizing only when no SL is provided.
Max Risk Per Trade (%): upper cap for each new order (guard against oversizing).

D. Safety Limits (optional)

Max Drawdown (%): if equity drawdown is above this level, the SLAVE pauses new entries.
Min Equity: if equity falls below this value, the SLAVE pauses new entries.
Auto Halt/Resume: copier halts on breach and resumes when normal.

E. File I/O & Stability

File Retry Delay (ms): wait time before retrying a busy file.
Max File Retries: how many retries before warning.
Cleanup Behavior: automatic; no action required.

F. Display & Logs

Dashboard On/Off: show/hide panel.
Verbosity/Log Level: reduce prints in production; keep only essentials.

7) Volume Modes — Detailed Examples

7.1 Fixed Lot

You set 0.10 on the SLAVE.
MASTER opens 1.00 on Gold → SLAVE still opens 0.10.
Simple, steady risk. Good for evaluations or strict lot policies.
When: You want the same lot every time.
Tip: On volatile symbols (Gold, Indices, Crypto), start small (e.g., 0.05–0.20).

7.2 Equity-Ratio

Formula: Slave Lot ≈ (Slave Equity / Master Equity) × Master Lot.
Example: Master Equity 5,000 opens 1.00; Slave Equity 1,000 → ratio 0.20 → Slave opens ~0.20.
Risk remains proportional across different account sizes.
When: You want consistent risk across many accounts.
Tip: Recheck after deposits/withdrawals; confirm broker allows micro-lots.

7.3 Risk-Percent

You choose risk % per trade (e.g., 1%).
SLAVE calculates a lot so a full SL loss ≈ your chosen % of equity.
If the incoming signal has no SL, SLAVE uses Default SL (pips) to size the lot.
Example: Equity 2,000; risk 1% → $20 risk; effective SL 100 pips → lot sized so 100 pips ≈ $20.
When: Funded accounts, disciplined sizing, volatile symbols.
Important:
Default SL is only for sizing when no SL is sent; it does not place a stop.
If MASTER later changes SL/TP, already-open lot size does not change.
Pending orders without SL use Default SL at execution time.

8) Safety Limits — How They Protect You

Max Drawdown (%):

If above your limit, new entries are paused; existing trades stay open.
When drawdown is back below the limit, copier can auto-resume.
Use case: Prop firm daily loss is 5% → set 4.0–4.5% for a buffer.

Min Equity:

If equity is below this level, new entries are paused.
Prevents over-trading when equity is low / margin is tight.

Max Risk Per Trade (%):

Caps per-trade risk. Helpful when stops are tight or pip value is high.

Default SL (pips):

Used only for sizing in Risk-percent mode when no SL is provided.
Does not place a stop on the chart.

Auto Halt/Resume:

On any breach, copier prints a clear reason and pauses entries.
Resumes automatically when normal.

9) Symbol Mapping — Make Different Brokers Match

When you need it

MASTER symbol: XAUUSD
SLAVE symbol: XAUUSD.r or XAUUSD.m
Without mapping, SLAVE may skip the trade.

How to fill

Write pairs separated by commas, e.g.:
XAUUSD=XAUUSD.r,EURUSD=EURUSD.m,US30=US30.cash
Left = MASTER, Right = SLAVE. Spell exactly as in Market Watch.

Test your mapping

Add mapped symbols to SLAVE’s Market Watch.
Open a tiny test trade on MASTER.
SLAVE should open the mapped symbol immediately.

10) Installation — Full Walkthrough

Install MT5 and log in to each account.
Place the EA under the same Windows user used by your MT5 terminals.
Put the EA in Experts, then restart MT5.
Open one chart per terminal and attach the EA.
Set inputs (Sections 6–9). Click OK.
Enable Algo Trading. Confirm dashboard appears.
Run a small demo test to confirm flow.

Note: One MASTER can broadcast to up to 10 SLAVES on the same machine.

11) Recommended Settings by Scenario

A) Simple One-to-One (MASTER → SLAVE #1)

SLAVE Volume: Fixed Lot 0.05 (Gold) or 0.10 (majors)
Safety: Max Drawdown 4%; Min Equity as you prefer
Mapping: only if broker suffix differs

B) MASTER → 3 Slaves (Different Sizes)

SLAVE #1 (small): Equity-ratio
SLAVE #2 (mid): Equity-ratio or Fixed 0.10
SLAVE #3 (funded): Risk-percent 0.5–1.0%; Default SL 100–300 (symbol-dependent)

C) Funded Account (Strict Daily Loss)

Volume: Risk-percent (0.3–0.8% typical)
Default SL: realistic for the symbol
Max Drawdown: slightly below firm rule
Min Equity: safety line to avoid margin pressure
Verbosity: low (clean logs)

D) High-Volatility Symbols (Gold/Indices/Crypto)

Start small on Fixed Lot or use Risk-percent
Default SL larger than for majors
Watch broker stop-levels and min lot size

12) Real-World Walkthroughs

Pending without SL

MASTER places a Buy Stop on XAUUSD without SL/TP.
SLAVE in Risk-percent mode uses Default SL to size the lot when the order triggers.
If MASTER adds SL/TP later, SLAVE updates SL/TP; lot size stays the same.

Close-All on MASTER

MASTER closes all trades quickly (button or manual).
Copier detects the mass close; SLAVES close the same trades.

Broker Suffix Difference

MASTER uses XAUUSD , SLAVE broker uses XAUUSD.r .
Set XAUUSD=XAUUSD.r and add XAUUSD.r to Market Watch.
Next MASTER trade appears correctly on SLAVE.

13) Best Practices for VPS & Stability

Choose a stable Windows VPS; keep it online 24/7 for live trading.
Disable sleep/hibernation; keep system clock synced.
Exclude the MT5 Common folder from antivirus real-time scanning if allowed.
If “file busy” warnings appear, increase File Retry Delay and Max File Retries.
Do not run two different copiers on the same chart.
Use one MASTER per source account.

14) Testing Safely Before Live

Use demo first; run both MASTER and SLAVE on the same VPS.
Start with small sizes (Fixed Lot 0.01–0.05) and basic symbols (EURUSD).
Test market orders, pending orders, SL/TP changes, partial closes, and close-all.
Confirm success rate >99% with no persistent warnings.

15) Troubleshooting (Quick Answers)

No trades on SLAVE: Check Mode, Slave Number, mapping, and Market Watch.
“Volume too small”: Broker min lot > calculated lot; increase lot or risk slightly.
“Invalid stops”: Broker stop-level requires larger distances; adjust SL/TP.
File busy warnings: Increase retry delay and retries; consider antivirus exclusion.
Hit drawdown/min-equity: Copier pauses by design; wait for recovery or adjust limits.
Different symbols: Fill Symbol Mapping precisely.

16) Safety Checklist (Use This Every Day)

All terminals connected to brokers?
Algo Trading enabled on all charts?
MASTER/SLAVE roles correct?
Slave Numbers unique (1…10)?
Healthy success rate on SLAVES?
Any file warnings on dashboard?
Risk limits and Default SL correct for today’s volatility?

17) Frequently Asked Questions

Does Default SL place a stop on the chart? No. It only helps calculate lot size when no SL is sent.
Can I copy to more than 10 slaves? v4.50 supports up to 10 per master.
Netting accounts? Hedging is recommended. Netting may differ. Test first.
Multiple masters on one machine? Possible but not recommended. If you must, separate charts and files carefully.
Does the copier change SL/TP automatically? If MASTER modifies SL/TP, the SLAVE follows.
After restart, will trades continue? Yes. The copier reads current positions and the latest signals and continues.

18) Clean Logs and Quiet Mode (Optional)

Keep production logs simple; lower verbosity if available.
Keep only essentials (init status, risk halts, file warnings).
Avoid per-tick prints; they slow down busy VPSs and grow logs.

19) Glossary (Short)

MASTER: Source terminal that sends trades.
SLAVE: Receiver terminal that copies trades.
Common folder: Shared MT5 folder for all terminals under the same Windows user.
Mapping: Translating symbols between brokers.
Default SL (pips): Fallback distance for sizing only in Risk-percent mode.
Drawdown: Equity reduction from peak.

20) Risk Notice

Trading involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Use risk controls and test on demo before going live. You are responsible for settings and compliance with broker/prop-firm rules.

21) Prop-Firm Presets and Playbooks

Conservative Challenge (Safety First)

Risk-percent: 0.25–0.50% per trade
Default SL: Majors 150–250, Gold 300–800, Indices per broker points
Safety: Max DD 3.5–4.0% (below firm 5%), Min Equity 2–3% under start
Ops: Avoid stacking around news; pause 5–10 min before/after major news; trade liquid sessions

Moderate Challenge (Balanced)

Risk-percent: 0.6–0.9%
Default SL: Majors 120–200, Gold 250–600
Safety: Max DD 4.5%, Min Equity 2% buffer
Ops: Allow pyramiding only with total open risk ≤ 2%

Aggressive Evaluation (Experienced)

Risk-percent: 1.0–1.2%
Default SL: Majors 80–160, Gold 200–500
Safety: Max DD 4.5–5.0%, Min Equity 2% buffer
Ops: Strict exposure cap; reduce size near news and on Fridays

Universal Rules

Keep Risk-percent steady for the week; review on weekends
Set Max DD 0.5–1.0% below firm daily loss as buffer
Map symbols explicitly; prefer hedging; keep clean logs for audits

22) Performance Tuning & VPS Reliability

Hardware & OS

2–4 vCPU, 4–8 GB RAM, SSD; Windows Server 2019/2022 or Windows 10/11
Power plan: High performance; disable sleep/hibernation
Time sync (NTP) on; plan Windows Updates outside trading hours

Network & Broker

VPS near your broker; target ping <100 ms
Prefer ECN/RAW accounts

MT5 Terminals

Run MASTER + up to 10 SLAVES under the same Windows user
Keep copier charts light; one copier per chart

Antivirus & File Locks

Exclude MT5 Common folder if policy allows
If “file busy”, increase retry delay and retries

Ops

Daily pre-open check (see Section 32)
Weekly: reboot VPS, review logs, confirm mapping
Keep a change log for any risk setting edits

23) One-Page Quick Start (Printable)

Requirements: Windows PC/VPS, MT5, hedging accounts, stable network
Install: Attach EA to one chart on each terminal (same Windows user)
MASTER: Mode = MASTER; Number of Slaves = 1…10
SLAVES: Mode = SLAVE; unique Slave Number 1…10; choose Volume Mode; set risk limits
Mapping: fill if symbols differ (e.g., XAUUSD=XAUUSD.r )
Enable Algo Trading; confirm dashboard is healthy
Test: open a tiny trade on MASTER; verify SLAVE replication
Go-Live: switch to planned sizes; monitor success rate and risk panel

24) Mapping Cookbook (Common Cases)

Gold: XAUUSD=XAUUSD.r or .m or .ecn (match Market Watch)
Majors: EURUSD=EURUSD.r , GBPUSD=GBPUSD.m , etc.
US30/Dow: US30=US30.cash (varies by broker)
DAX/GER40: DAX40=GER40 or DE40=DE40.cash
NAS100/US100: NAS100=US100 or USTEC=NAS100.cash

Rule: left = MASTER, right = SLAVE; separate pairs by commas; spell exactly as in Market Watch.
Verify: Add symbols to SLAVE Market Watch → place small MASTER trade → confirm SLAVE opens mapped instrument.

25) Daily Operating Procedures (SOP)

Start of Day: confirm connection; check dashboard success rate and drawdown; verify risk limits and Default SL
During Sessions: avoid unnecessary chart changes; watch for file warnings
Before High-Impact News: reduce exposure or pause copier briefly
End of Day: journal outcomes; note any changes to settings

26) Troubleshooting — Deep Dive

No Trade on SLAVE: Mode/Slave Number; symbol in Market Watch; mapping correct; Algo Trading ON
Volume Too Small / Step Not Met: broker min lot higher than calculated lot → increase lot or risk
Invalid Stops: broker stop-level too tight → increase SL/TP distances
Not Enough Money / Margin: reduce lot size or concurrent exposure
File Busy / Access Denied: increase retry delay/retries; consider antivirus exclusion
Halt Active (Max DD / Min Equity): paused by design; allow recovery or adjust limits
Symbol Not Found: mapping missing/misspelled; match Market Watch exactly

27) News & Volatility Handling

Pre-schedule pause windows for major news on traded instruments
Reduce Risk-percent (e.g., by half) on heavy news days
Use wider Default SL values during extreme volatility to keep sizing realistic

28) Multi-Master / Multi-Slave Architecture

Prefer one MASTER per machine to avoid file contention
If multiple masters are necessary, use different charts, unique files, or separate Windows users
Keep Slave Numbers unique per master group

29) Recovery & Restarts

After VPS reboot: start MT5 terminals, enable Algo Trading, wait for dashboard OK
Copier continues reading signals and open positions; verify on the next trade
If files look stale, let built-in cleanup run; avoid manual deletion in market hours

30) QA Test Plan (Before Live)

Market orders: open, modify SL/TP, close
Pending orders: place, trigger, cancel
Mapping: at least three mapped symbols
Stress: quick open/close sequence and a close-all scenario
Risk: trigger Min Equity and Max Drawdown on demo to verify halt/resume

31) Templates & Checklists

Daily Pre-Open

Terminals connected
Algo Trading ON
Modes correct; Slave Numbers unique
Risk limits and Default SL verified
Mapping verified for today’s symbols

Weekly Maintenance

VPS reboot
Log review
Mapping review/updates
Review prop rules and buffers

Change Log (sample)

Date, who changed, what changed, reason, rollback plan

32) Extended FAQ

Does the copier place SL/TP if MASTER sends none?
No. Default SL is for sizing only. Place SL/TP with your strategy.

Copy from netting to hedging?
Hedging is recommended. Netting behavior may differ. Test first.

Success rate below 100%?
Usually mapping, min lot, or stop-level rejections. Review broker constraints.

How many slaves?
Up to 10 per master in v4.50.

Identical brokers required?
No, but you must handle mapping and contract differences carefully.

Heavy indicators on copier charts?
Better to keep copier charts lightweight for speed and stability.

33) Closing & Support

Crystal Copycat ULTIMATE v4.50 is built for speed, stability, and control in professional environments. Use these presets, checklists, and SOPs to operate consistently, protect drawdown, and keep replication accurate across brokers.

Support: After download
If this professional tool helps you, please support development with a 5-star rating and a short, honest review.

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