NinjaTrader Automated Trading — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before and after subscribing to a FalcoAlgo strategy. Can't find your answer? Contact us →
What is FalcoAlgo?
FalcoAlgo is an algorithmic trading developer that builds and distributes fully automated trading strategies designed for futures markets.
Are Falco systems fully automated?
Yes. Falco strategies place, manage, and exit trades automatically once enabled inside the supported trading platform. No alerts or manual trade execution are required.
Which markets do Falco systems trade?
Most Falco strategies are designed for futures markets, primarily ES and MES. Market coverage varies by system and is specified on each product page.
Which trading platforms are supported?
Falco strategies are designed to run directly inside NinjaTrader. Platform compatibility may vary by system and will always be listed on the product page.
Can I use Falco if I'm a beginner?
Yes. Many users start with Falco as their first automated system. However, you should understand basic futures concepts such as margin, drawdowns, and risk before trading live capital.
Will I win every trade?
No. Losses are a normal part of trading. Falco systems are rules-based strategies designed to perform over many trades, not to win every single trade.
Is performance guaranteed?
No. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Trading futures involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all traders.
Can I use Falco with prop firm accounts?
Many users run Falco systems on prop firm accounts. However, prop firm rules vary, and you are responsible for ensuring compliance with drawdown and risk limits.
Do I need trading experience to use Falco?
Basic familiarity with futures trading and NinjaTrader is recommended. Users are responsible for account setup, risk selection, and monitoring performance.
What happens after I purchase?
After checkout, your license is generated automatically. You will receive an email with your license file and full setup instructions within minutes of purchase. No manual steps required.
How long does it take to get access?
Access is instant. Your license is issued automatically immediately after purchase. Setup instructions are sent to your email within minutes. If you do not receive your email, check your spam folder or contact support.
How do I find my NinjaTrader Machine ID?
Open NinjaTrader → Control Center → Help → About. Your Machine ID will be displayed there.
I didn't receive my setup email after purchase. What do I do?
Check your spam or junk folder first. If you still cannot find it, email support@falcoalgo.com with your order confirmation and we will resend your license immediately.
Can I trade ES and MES at the same time?
Yes. BotR runs on both ES (full-size) and MES (micro) contracts — you can trade either depending on your preference. Margin requirements are set by your broker.
Will my subscription automatically renew?
Yes. Subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless canceled.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime through your Stripe Customer Portal or by emailing support@falcoalgo.com. You will retain access until the end of your current billing period.
Do you offer refunds?
Yes — we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on monthly subscriptions. To request a refund on a monthly plan, email support@falcoalgo.com with the subject line "Refund Request" within 30 days of your purchase. Refunds are not processed automatically — you must contact us to initiate one.
Annual plans are non-refundable. Annual subscribers receive a 25% discount in exchange for a year-long commitment — that rate is final sale. See our full Refund Policy.
Do I need to know how to code to use FalcoAlgo strategies?
No. All FalcoAlgo strategies are pre-compiled algorithm files. You load them into NinjaTrader 8 using the built-in import wizard — it's a file open dialog, not a coding exercise. The included setup PDF and video walkthrough cover every step from file import to live trading activation. No programming knowledge is required.
What broker do I need?
You need a futures broker that supports NinjaTrader 8 connections. Compatible brokers include:
- Rithmic
- CQG
- Interactive Brokers (via NinjaTrader bridge)
- NinjaTrader Brokerage (native integration)
- Any other NinjaTrader-supported brokerage
Important: you need a futures trading account, not a standard stock brokerage account.
Does the computer need to be on while the strategy is running?
Yes. NinjaTrader runs on your local Windows machine — not in the cloud. Your computer needs to be on, NinjaTrader needs to be running, and your broker connection needs to be active for the strategy to execute trades. Many subscribers use a dedicated trading PC or a Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) that runs 24/7 so they don't have to manage their own hardware uptime.
Can I subscribe to multiple strategies?
Yes. Each strategy has its own independent subscription. Many traders run 3–5 strategies simultaneously for market diversification across different instruments (equities, commodities, bonds) and trading styles (momentum, mean-reversion, scalping). Contact us about bundle pricing if you're interested in multiple strategies at once.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. Monthly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time through your Stripe billing portal. Your access continues until the end of the current billing period, and you will not be charged again. Annual subscriptions can also be cancelled — your access continues through the end of the annual period you paid for. Annual plans are non-refundable (they are already discounted 25%). The 30-day money-back guarantee applies to monthly plans only.
What happens to my algorithm file if I cancel?
When your subscription ends, the algorithm file is deactivated. FalcoAlgo uses a license validation system tied to your subscription status — the strategy will no longer execute trades after your billing period expires. You will no longer receive future updates. To reactivate, simply resubscribe and your algorithm is re-enabled.
Which version of NinjaTrader do I need?
NinjaTrader 8.1 or higher (64-bit). All strategies are compiled for NT8 and are not compatible with NinjaTrader 7. NinjaTrader 8 is available as a free download from ninjatrader.com — you only need the live trading license when you connect to a live brokerage account (NinjaTrader 8 is free for simulation/paper trading).
What data feed do I need?
A reliable market data feed with tick-level futures data. Compatible feeds include:
- Kinetick (free for NinjaTrader Brokerage clients, $55/mo otherwise)
- Rithmic (included with Rithmic brokerage accounts)
- CQG (included with CQG brokerage accounts)
Delayed or low-quality data feeds can negatively affect strategy execution — use only real-time tick data.
How long does setup take?
Most traders are live within 30 minutes of receiving their algorithm file. The process is: (1) download and install NinjaTrader 8, (2) connect your broker account, (3) import the FalcoAlgo algorithm file, (4) configure the strategy on the correct instrument using the provided settings, (5) enable automated trading. The included PDF guide and video walkthrough cover every step in detail.
Do I need a dedicated machine or VPS?
Not required. Strategies run only when your Windows machine is on and NinjaTrader is connected. If your home computer sleeps or loses internet during market hours, trades won't execute. A Windows VPS (Virtual Private Server) running 24/7 in a data center eliminates this risk.
My strategy isn't taking trades. What should I check?
Common causes and checks:
- Automated trading not enabled: In NinjaTrader's top toolbar, the "AT" (Automated Trading) button must be green/active
- Strategy state is "Historical": The strategy needs to be in "Realtime" state — check the Strategy Analyzer or Strategies tab
- Outside trading hours: Strategies only trade during their defined session window — check the current market session against the strategy's hours
- Data feed disconnected: Check the connection indicator in the bottom-right of NinjaTrader
- Instrument not connected: Ensure you have the correct futures contract (including expiry month) subscribed in your data feed
- Normal inactivity: Some strategies are selective by design and may go a couple of days without taking a trade — this is expected behavior, not a malfunction
If issues persist after checking these, email our support team with a screenshot of the Strategy Analyzer window.
How does the 30-day money-back guarantee work?
The 30-day money-back guarantee applies to monthly subscriptions only. If you're on a monthly plan and are unsatisfied for any reason within your first 30 days, email support@falcoalgo.com with the subject line "Refund Request" and your order details. Refunds are issued to your original payment method via Stripe and typically process within 5–10 business days.
Annual plans are non-refundable. Annual billing is already discounted 25% — that pricing reflects a year-long commitment and is final sale. The 30-day window applies from the date of your first monthly payment only. See our full Refund Policy.
What payment methods do you accept?
All payments are processed through Stripe. Accepted payment methods include all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Link. Stripe uses bank-grade encryption — we never see or store your card details.
Where can I manage my subscription?
You can manage your subscription through the Stripe customer portal. A link to the portal is included in your subscription confirmation email. From the portal, you can update payment methods, view billing history, and cancel your subscription. You can also email us at support@falcoalgo.com for any billing assistance.
When am I charged for my subscription?
Monthly subscriptions renew every 30 days from your original subscription date. Annual subscriptions renew every 365 days. You'll receive an email receipt from Stripe after each charge. You can view upcoming renewal dates in the Stripe customer portal.
Are the win rates and returns guaranteed?
No. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The win rates and average monthly returns displayed on strategy pages are based on historical backtesting and live trading data since 2023. Future performance will vary based on market conditions, execution quality, and other factors outside our control. Automated trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.
What does "max drawdown" mean and how should I interpret it?
Maximum drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough decline in account equity observed during the strategy's history. For example, a -10% max drawdown means the strategy experienced a worst-case 10% account loss from a previous high point before recovering. It is not an annualized figure — it represents the single worst stretch in the strategy's recorded history.
Lower max drawdown means smoother equity growth. Higher max drawdown strategies often offer higher returns in exchange for accepting larger temporary losses. Most traders size their positions to keep drawdown within a comfortable range relative to total account size.
Can I lose more money than I invest?
Yes — this is a risk with any leveraged futures trading. Futures contracts are leveraged instruments, and losses can exceed your initial margin. All FalcoAlgo strategies use automatic stop-loss orders on every trade to limit individual trade risk, but under extreme market conditions (flash crashes, overnight gap-downs), actual losses can exceed the defined stop levels. Never trade with capital you cannot afford to lose.
How is performance data verified?
Performance data shown on strategy pages includes both NinjaTrader Strategy Analyzer backtests (using historical tick data) and live trading results. All statistics (win rate, profit factor, net profit, max drawdown) are clearly labeled as either backtested or live. Past performance — whether backtested or live — is not indicative of future results.
How do I contact support?
Email us at support@falcoalgo.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days (Monday–Friday, US Eastern Time). For urgent issues during market hours, include "URGENT" in the subject line. You can also reach us through the contact form.
Is there a community or forum for subscribers?
Yes. All active subscribers get access to the FalcoAlgo trader community on Discord. Details on how to join are included in your welcome email after subscribing. The community is a place to share trade logs, ask strategy questions, and connect with fellow algo traders. Join the Discord →
Do you offer custom strategy development?
We do not currently offer custom strategy development for individual clients. Our team focuses exclusively on developing and maintaining the strategies available through FalcoAlgo subscriptions. If you have an institutional inquiry, contact us to discuss.
What is the FalcoAlgo Affiliate Program?
Earn commissions by referring new subscribers to FalcoAlgo. You earn tiered commissions on every payment (first charge and all recurring): 20% base, 25% at 5+ active customers, 30% at 15+ active customers. Apply at affiliate.falcoalgo.com.
How do the commission tiers work?
Your commission rate on every payment increases as you grow your referrals:
- Starter (0–4 active customers): 20%
- Growth (5–14 active customers): 25%
- Partner (15+ active customers): 30%
The same rate applies to all payments — first charge and recurring.
How much can I earn?
At $99/month per subscription — your earnings depend on your tier. Based on commission rates (not a guarantee of earnings):
- 5 active customers at Starter tier: approximately $99/month recurring
- 10 active customers at Growth tier: approximately $247.50/month recurring
- 20 active customers at Partner tier: approximately $594/month recurring
These figures are illustrative estimates based on commission rates. Actual earnings depend on your referral activity and subscriber retention. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
What is the quarterly sales competition?
Every quarter, the affiliate with the most new sales wins a free year of any FalcoAlgo algo. A minimum of 3 sales is required to qualify. You can track your rank on the affiliate dashboard leaderboard at affiliate.falcoalgo.com.
How does affiliate tracking work?
When someone clicks your referral link, a 90-day cookie is set in their browser. If they subscribe within 90 days, you receive credit for the referral. Tracking is handled automatically through Stripe — no manual steps required on your end.
When do I get paid?
Commissions have a 30-day hold period for refund and chargeback protection. After the hold clears, you can request a payout once you reach the $25 minimum balance. Payouts are processed monthly.
How do I apply?
Visit affiliate.falcoalgo.com to apply. Applications are reviewed by our team and you'll receive confirmation by email.
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