Course Module

How to Connect RealTest, OrderClerk, and IBKR

This module shows you how to connect your RealTest strategies to Interactive Brokers using OrderClerk, so your strategy-generated orders can be executed consistently and safely.

1. Install the Tools (One-Time Setup)

Install OrderClerk

Download it from the RealTest forum → install (create an account if you don’t have one).

RealTest Forum →

Install IBKR Trading Workstation (TWS)

OrderClerk communicates with TWS directly, so it must be installed.

Download TWS →

2. Configure IBKR Demo

Use IBKR Paper / Demo account first.
If something goes wrong, you want it to happen here - not on real capital.

Basic Setup

Open TWS.
Enable Use/Store Settings on Server.
Log In.

API Settings

Global Configuration → API → Settings

ActiveX and Socket Clients ON

Socket Port 7497

Master Client ID blank or 0

Operator Timezone Local Timezone

Precautions

Enable: Bypass order precautions for API orders

If this is off, IBKR may block orders generated by RealTest/OrderClerk.

3. Link Your Strategy to OrderClerk

This is where RealTest and OrderClerk become a single workflow.

Step 1 - Create a Dedicated Strategy Folder

In RealTest:

Open your strategy.
Copy it into a new script file.
Save that file inside your OrderClerk folder, in a new subfolder for this strategy.

Step 2 - Add Required Code to Your Strategy

1. HolidayList

HolidayList: Examples\holidays.us.txt

2. OrderClerkFolder

OrderClerkFolder: ?scriptpath?

3. OrdersMode

OrdersMode: OrderClerk

4. AccountSize

AccountSize: 16000

4. Daily Workflow

Step 1 - Open IBKR (Demo or Live)

Make sure Trade History is open
Confirm it shows Last 7 Days

Step 2 - Update Your Market Data

Open Norgate → Check for Updates.

Open OrderClerk → Click "Connect To IB".

Step 3 - Generate the Day’s Orders in RealTest

→ Open RealTest → Import → Orders

Step 4 - Execute Orders Through OrderClerk

→ Open OrderClerk → Connect To IB → Load Order Lists → Place Orders

Orders now appear in TWS. You’re done.

Be sure to read more details in the OrderClerk User Guide.pdf file in your OrderClerk folder.

Feel free to ask for help: setupalpha.capital@gmail.com

"Always test everything on a demo account-mistakes happen. You’re fully responsible for your investment decisions. This is for education only, not financial advice."