T2W Trading Community

PFScan
7/10
Perhaps I can also comment on observations made by Dave. I am not trying to enter into any debate on what is available in Visual Studio or what is the best programming code. If code is suitable for end result of a package then that is fine. When I tried PFScan (about 9 months back) I noticed that graphics and other facilities like zoom etc were very limited. Graphics was very flaky. Most of the software packages are written in either C++ or Java nowadays and hence my comments to write PFScan perhaps in C++ and add better graphics facility. However, if one could provide all these by using Visual Basic then fine.

At the end of the day the PFScan package is indeed very good. Apart from Metastock, I use Updata TA p & f charting package, which I like as it is a great improvement on Indexia p & F, but then the TA as a whole is a great disappointment. As far as I know, Updata TA is written in JVM (don’t know which version though)

I am not suggesting to RE WRITE PFScan in java but a typical p & f charting package COULD be written in java for that matter. I am already developing a version with a colleague, more as an exercise to improve my java knowledge.

When I tested PFScan it was something like £35/- or so (if I remember correctly) however it was increased to £60/- after TASC review. Although not at all very expensive, nevertheless a big jump and hence my comments.

Pfscan
9/10
Just to 'correct' (If that's the appropriate term) a few things I consider incorrect in Zambuck's review...
VB and VC++ are both in Visual Studio, the point made is factually wrong - VC++ and Java are no better integrated into Windows than VB. I'd be surprised to discover you COULD program Pfscan in Java, and VC++ would be indistinguishable frankly - I know, I can program in C++ (and lots of others) as well, I chose VB because it was easier to recode the orioginal Pfscan.
Price Hike - anyone interested feel free to ask - TASC took 7 months to publish the review, for a start... I figure £60 isn't excessive,
Dave

Pfscan
10/10
First of all I totally agree with Zambucks first comment. Dave is very very helpful.

I have had several queries and the responses have been detailed and written in language I can understand.

Why he should think it is expensive I don't know £60 in total with no ongoing costs is, to my mind,is not expensive at all.

I find the programme easy to understand, to load and the details given have given me a great insight into share movements and what the indicators actually mean.

The manuals provided are also very good, not dry, but factual and written for people who may not understand the finer points of chart interpretation. (The only critisism I have is that they were not easy to find)

Perhaps there is a need for a 'simple' programme, not all of us are looking for complicated programmes.

Yes I have found the bar and candlestick charts and the additional indicators that go with them.

The Boards site is also of immense help to me. Dave and others have been most willing to help and give constructive views on my queries and suggestions.

All in all I am very happy with my purchase and, although I have not yet traded on the info available, I have every confidence that it will improve my performance.

PF Scan
7/10
It is a good package and DJB is very helpful if you have any queries...

good points are that it is a no nonsense pacake with some very reliable and commonsense approach to point & figure charting techniques for trading decisions...was value for money until lately when price was suddenly hiked up to £60- after it was featured in TASC...

bad points are that is is visual basic programme and perhaps dated coding method should be re written to either java or C++ language to make graphics more refined and generally tie in with windows command structure...

At present it is better to do point & figure charting in excel than investing in this package...my opinion..

Pfscan
9/10
This is just to correct a slight factual error - Pfscan DOES provide Candlestick charts.
I'll just copy Helen's scores in the hope that this doesn't subsequently skew things for your rating system. Naah, I'll drop them a bit...