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🌱 Beginner⏱ī¸ 30 minutes

Getting Started with RelayDesk

Learn the fundamentals of automated options trading and set up your first bot in under 10 minutes.

What You'll Learn

  • ✓Understand how options trading automation works
  • ✓Create and configure your RelayDesk account
  • ✓Connect your Alpaca broker for paper or live trading
  • ✓Set up TradingView webhooks to trigger your bots
  • ✓Create and activate your first trading bot

Understanding Options Trading Automation

Options trading automation allows you to execute trades based on predefined signals without manual intervention. RelayDesk sits between TradingView (where you create your trading signals) and Alpaca (your broker), automatically executing trades when your conditions are met.

This course will guide you through the complete setup process, from creating your account to executing your first automated trade.

Module 1: Creating Your RelayDesk Account

Getting started with RelayDesk is quick and straightforward:

  • Visit relaydesk.trade and click "Get Started Free"
  • Sign up using Google OAuth or email/password
  • Verify your email if using email/password registration
  • Complete your profile information
  • Accept the Terms of Service
💡

Your RelayDesk account is free during beta. Take advantage of this time to learn the platform thoroughly.

Module 2: Connecting Your Alpaca Broker

Alpaca is the broker that will execute your trades. Here's how to connect it:

  • Create an Alpaca account at alpaca.markets (if you don't have one)
  • Navigate to your Alpaca dashboard and generate API keys
  • In RelayDesk, go to Settings → Broker Connections
  • Enter your Alpaca API Key and Secret
  • Select "Paper" mode for testing (highly recommended)
  • Click "Test Connection" to verify
  • Save your connection
⚠ī¸

Always start with Paper Trading! Test your strategies thoroughly before risking real capital.

Module 3: Setting Up TradingView Webhooks

TradingView webhooks send signals to RelayDesk when your trading conditions are met:

  • You need a TradingView Pro plan or higher for webhooks
  • Create an alert in TradingView based on your strategy
  • Enable "Webhook URL" in the alert notifications
  • Copy your Signal webhook URL from RelayDesk Signal Library
  • Paste the webhook URL into TradingView
  • Configure the alert message with proper JSON format
  • Test the webhook to ensure it's working
ℹī¸

The webhook message format is critical. Use: {"action": "entry", "side": "long"} for a basic long entry signal.

Module 4: Creating Your First Bot

Now it's time to create your first trading bot:

  • Go to the Bots page in RelayDesk
  • Click "Create New Bot"
  • Select your Signal from the dropdown
  • Choose a symbol (start with SPY for testing)
  • Set position size to 1 contract
  • Configure basic exit strategy (30% TP, -25% SL)
  • Enable risk controls (set a daily loss cap)
  • Save and activate your bot
✅

Start with the simplest possible configuration. You can always add complexity later once you understand how everything works.

Module 5: Your First Automated Trade

With everything set up, you're ready for your first automated trade:

  • Ensure your bot is active (green indicator)
  • Trigger your TradingView alert manually for testing
  • Watch the Dashboard for the signal to arrive
  • Verify the order was placed in Alpaca
  • Monitor the position in RelayDesk
  • Observe your exit strategy in action
  • Review the trade log after completion
💡

Monitor your first few trades closely. Check both RelayDesk and Alpaca to ensure everything is working as expected.

Next Steps

Congratulations on setting up your first bot! Here's what to do next:

  • Run your bot in paper mode for at least 1-2 weeks
  • Complete the Risk Management Masterclass
  • Learn about the OCO Exit Engine for advanced exits
  • Study analytics to understand your bot's performance
  • Only switch to live trading after consistent paper trading success

Key Takeaways

  • ●RelayDesk automates options trading by connecting TradingView signals to Alpaca execution
  • ●Always start with paper trading before going live
  • ●Proper account and broker setup is crucial for successful automation
  • ●Webhooks are the bridge between your TradingView strategy and RelayDesk bots
  • ●Your first bot should be simple and well-tested

What's Next?

🚀 Advanced

TradingView Strategy Development

📈 Intermediate

Analytics & Performance Tracking

🚀 Advanced

Advanced Bot Configuration

📈 Intermediate

Risk Management Masterclass

Congratulations! 🎉

You've completed this tutorial. Mark it as complete to track your progress.