Structural trap operator guide.
This is the wrapped HTML version of the Pathfinder MD manual. It explains the tactical interface, four zones, reclaim sequence, asset-specific buffers, slam shield, confidence filters, and operator instructions.
This is the definitive operator manual for the Ballistic Pathfinder. This system is designed to filter out market noise and identify high-probability structural traps by enforcing "Institutional Confirmation" on every tick.
1. The Tactical Interface
The HUD is divided into three primary tracking lanes (ES, NQ, RTY). Each lane utilizes centered, high-visibility typography designed for split-second decision-making during high volatility.
UI Components
- Magnet Proximity (%): Located at the top of each box. It calculates the "pull" toward the nearest level. It turns Orange when proximity exceeds 80%.
- Live Tape: The real-time price feed directly from the exchange.
- Session Delta: Cumulative volume delta for the current session.
- The Pathfinder Box: The large, centered display that communicates the structural state of the asset.
2. The Four Tactical Zones
The system categorizes price action into four distinct states based on the distance (Gap) to the nearest MacroVault level.
| Zone | Display | Range (Gap) | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1: IMPACT | 🧱 WALL IMPACT | 0.0 - 0.5 pts | CRITICAL: Price is currently hitting the wall. Expect heavy tape acceleration or absorption. |
| Zone 2: RECLAIM | ⚠️ RECLAIM ZONE | 0.6 - [Buffer+1] | HIGH: Price has violated a level and the engine is actively looking for a reversal. |
| Zone 3: MONITOR | MONITORING LEVEL | Up to 15.0 pts | NORMAL: Structure is on the radar. No immediate trade action required. |
| Zone 4: SCAN | ● SCANNING [TIC] | > 15.0 pts | LOW: Price is in "open air." Searching for the next structural magnet. |
3. Structural Engine Mechanics
The "Reclaim" is the core of the strategy. It is the mechanical proof that a breakout has failed and a trap has been set.
The Sequence of a Trap
1. The Cross: Price moves past a level plus a small crossBuffer.
2. The Sweep (Excursion): Price must travel a minimum distance (minSweep) to ensure enough breakout traders are "baited" into the move.
3. The Reclaim: Price reverses and clears the Reclaim Buffer.
The Math of Confirmation
A signal only fires when the following LaTeX condition is met:
4. Asset-Specific Calibration
Each asset has unique volatility "breathing room." These settings are hard-coded to filter out "chatter" and require the market to show actual intent.
| Asset | Reclaim Buffer | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| NQ | 5.00 pts | The 20-Tick Rule. Forces NQ to clear the "noise" of the slam. |
| ES | 1.50 pts | The 6-Tick Rule. Precision confirmation for the S&P. |
| RTY | 2.00 pts | The 20-Tick Rule. Accounts for small-cap choppiness. |
| YM | 15.00 pts | The 3-Tick Rule. Scaled for Dow point-values. |
5. System Guardrails
To handle the "Slam" (when NQ/Incube hits a level 50 times in a second), the system employs two primary defenses:
The Slam Shield (Debounce)
The engine utilizes a 3-second lockout. Once a structural level is triggered, the engine will not initialize a new auction for that specific level/direction for 3 seconds. This prevents the "Machine Gun" effect on your UI and audio.
Confidence Filter
Every signal is assigned a confidence score (Base 65%).
- Signals only appear if Confidence \ge 60\%.
- Velocity and Delta acceleration can increase this score.
- If the price lingers too long without reclaiming, the confidence decays until the auction is discarded.
6. Operating Instructions
- The Yellow State: When the box is Yellow (RECLAIM ZONE), do not chase. This indicates the "fight" is happening. Wait for the signal.
- The Green/Red State: This is the Signal State. It indicates the Reclaim Buffer has been cleared and the trap is confirmed.
- The Red Flash: When WALL IMPACT flashes, look at the Micro ROC. If ROC is high, the wall may break; if ROC is stalled, expect a bounce.
Quick Reference: Console Diagnostics
If you suspect the UI is static, run these commands to audit the state:
1. window.activeHUD: Verify the WebSocket is live.
2. window.MacroVault['NQ']: Check if levels are loaded.
3. window.priceData: Verify the Tape is updating.