Build Local “Mediator” Bridge: MT4 (Benson EA) ⇄ ChatGPT (Flow) with Scheduled Screenshots & Auto-Toggle Controls

Scope

Implement a local automation bridge consisting of:

1. MQL4 Helper EA(s):

   • Take scheduled screenshots from 3 MT4 chart windows (roles: standard , active_open , third_panel ) at 01:30 and 13:30 local machine time.

   • Send the screenshots via WebRequest() to a local Mediator app.

2. Mediator App (Python FastAPI or NodeJS):

   • Collect all three screenshots for the same time slot, call ChatGPT (Flow) via API using a strict JSON schema, validate the response, and write the output to Shared/settings.json .

   • The JSON file contains toggle flags (AUTO ON/OFF and M1/M5/M15) for Silver (XAGUSD) and Gold (XAUUSD).

   • If a role is missing or JSON is invalid, the mediator safely ignores the update (no overwrite).

3. Benson EA Integration:

   • The existing Benson EA (runs on another MT4 chart) will read the settings.json (or Global Variables mirrored from it) and apply the flags automatically — without needing to open the EA input dialog.

4. Compatibility:

   • Must support both single-terminal (multiple chart windows) and multi-terminal setups (shared folder communication).

Environment

• Windows VPS / PC running MetaTrader 4

• Local loopback connection: http://127.0.0.1:5000

• Shared folder path: C:\BensonBridge\Shared\

• ChatGPT API key will be provided by client.

Key Requirements

• Roles for helper EAs: standard , active_open , third_panel .

• Collector logic waits for all three roles before a single ChatGPT call.

• Strict JSON schema validation before any update.

• Atomic writes to settings.json (no partial files).

• Logging and error handling (Flow failure, missing role, invalid schema).

• Clean, documented code (Python + MQL4) with clear variable names.

• Simple, silent operation (headless).

• One-click setup (Windows Task Scheduler or service mode).

Deliverables

• Benson_Helper_EA.mq4 (source + compiled .ex4 )

• Mediator source (Python FastAPI) + requirements.txt + .env.example

• flow_schema.json (JSON schema)

• Logs and sample output ( decisions_latest.json )

• Step-by-step README / setup guide

• Short demo screencast (2–5 min) showing:

  • Automatic screenshot, mediator collection, Flow call, settings.json written, and Benson reacting.

Timeline & Milestone Table

🕒 Estimated Total Duration: 4–6 working days (one week total).
You may set deadline = 7 days in the MetaQuotes post for buffer.

Acceptance Tests

1. At 01:30 and 13:30, three screenshots are saved and mediator receives all roles → one ChatGPT call → valid settings.json written.

2. Missing role → no Flow call; last settings persist (safe default).

3. Invalid JSON from Flow → no change applied, error logged.

4. In single-terminal mode: Benson reads Global Variables or settings.json and flips AUTO / TFs correctly.

5. In multi-terminal mode: all terminals share the same settings.json , and Benson reacts correctly.

6. Logs record every action (timestamp, slot, success/failure).

Budget

Fixed price — fair market rate.