Getting Started with RelayDesk

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 your broker, automatically executing trades when your conditions are met.

How it works: You create a Signal in RelayDesk, which gives you a unique webhook URL. When TradingView hits that URL, RelayDesk triggers any Bots linked to that Signal. No complex payload required, just the URL.

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:

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

Module 2: Connecting Your Alpaca Broker

Your broker executes the trades. Here's how to connect:

1. In RelayDesk, go to Settings → Broker Connections
2. Click "Connect Broker"
3. You'll be redirected to your broker's OAuth page
4. Log in and authorize RelayDesk
5. Select Paper mode for testing (highly recommended)
6. You're connected, no API keys to copy or manage

Module 3: Creating a Signal

Signals are the bridge between TradingView and your bots:

1. Go to the Signal Library in RelayDesk
2. Click "Create New Signal"
3. Give your signal a name (e.g., "SPY Long Entry")
4. Select the direction (Long or Short)
5. Save the signal
6. Copy the unique webhook URL provided

Module 4: Setting Up TradingView Webhooks

Connect your TradingView alerts to your RelayDesk signals:

1. You need a TradingView Pro plan or higher for webhooks
2. Create an alert in TradingView based on your strategy
3. Enable "Webhook URL" in the alert notifications
4. Paste your Signal's webhook URL from RelayDesk
5. Leave the message body empty (or put anything—it's ignored)
6. Save the alert
7. Test by triggering the alert manually

Module 5: Creating Your First Bot

Now create a bot that listens to your signal:

1. Go to the Bots page in RelayDesk
2. Click "Create New Bot"
3. Select your Signal from the dropdown
4. Choose your broker connection
5. Set the underlying symbol (start with SPY for testing)
6. Set position size to 1 contract
7. Configure exit strategy (e.g., 30% TP, -25% SL)
8. Enable risk controls (set a daily loss cap)
9. Save and activate your bot

Module 6: Your First Automated Trade

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

1. Ensure your bot is active (green indicator)
2. Trigger your TradingView alert manually for testing
3. Watch the Dashboard for the signal to arrive
4. Verify the order was placed at your broker
5. Monitor the position in RelayDesk
6. Observe your exit strategy in action
7. Review the trade in Trade History after completion

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 Exit Engine for advanced exits
• Study analytics to understand your bot's performance
• Only switch to live trading after consistent paper trading success