Pentarch v1.0 β Five Cycle Events¶
Cycle phase detection indicator. Identifies market position across five distinct phases: accumulation, markup, distribution, climax, and decline.
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In Plain English: Think of markets like ocean tidesβthey go through predictable patterns. Pentarch helps you see which part of the pattern you're in right now. It's like a weather forecast for price movement.
What You'll See on Your Chart: Pentarch shows 5 colored labels that appear above or below price candles. Each label tells you what's happening:
- π£ TD (Touchdown) = "Accumulation phase detectedβdownward exhaustion"
- π’ IGN (Ignition) = "Upward momentum is startingβmarkup phase beginning"
- π‘ WRN (Warning) = "Price is getting stretchedβdistribution phase"
- π CAP (Climax) = "Upward exhaustion detectedβclimax phase"
- π΄ BDN (Breakdown) = "Downward pressure detectedβdecline phase"
How It Works (The Simple Version): Pentarch checks 4 things before showing a signal:
- Is the overall market mood bullish or bearish?
- Is price far from the average, or close to it?
- Is momentum building or fading?
- Did the price bar actually close (not just flicker during trading)?
Only when all 4 checks pass does a label appear. This reduces false signals.
Beginner Starting Point: Just watch the signals for 1-2 weeks. Notice how TD and IGN often appear during accumulation/markup phases, while WRN and CAP appear during distribution/climax phases. The patterns will start to make sense!
π What are "market cycles"?
Markets don't move in straight linesβthey move in repeating patterns called cycles. A typical cycle has 5 phases:
- Accumulation: Smart money quietly buying after a decline (TD signal)
- Markup: Prices start climbing as more buyers join (IGN signal)
- Distribution: Smart money starts selling near the top (WRN signal)
- Climax: The peak before reversal (CAP signal)
- Decline: Prices fall as sellers dominate (BDN signal)
Understanding which phase you're in helps you make better decisions about when to enter or exit.
π― Core Functionality Beginner Friendly¶
Pentarch displays signal labels when four-layer detection conditions align at bar close. Five event types appear as colored labels on the chart:
- TD (Touchdown) - Label below candle
- IGN (Ignition) - Label below candle
- WRN (Warning) - Label above candle
- CAP (Climax) - Label above candle
- BDN (Breakdown) - Label above candle
Color Customization: Multiple color palettes available in settings. Default palette: TD (purple), IGN (teal), WRN (yellow), CAP (orange), BDN (red). All event colors can be customized to individual preferences.
Detection Method: Four-layer confirmation system analyzes: 1. Regime classification (which market phase is active - accumulation, markup, distribution, or markdown) 2. Pilot line distance (distance between price and the dynamic moving average baseline) 3. Momentum validation (strength and direction of price movement) 4. Bar close confirmation (signal confirmed only after candle closes, preventing repainting) Signals appear only when all four layers align.
Timeframe Compatibility: Works on all timeframes.
πΈ Screenshot Coming Soon
Pentarch All 5 Signal Types on Live Chart
We'll add a chart showing all five signal types (TD, IGN, WRN, CAP, BDN) labeled on a live Bitcoin or S&P 500 chart.
βοΈ Settings¶
Available configuration options:
| Setting | Options | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Alert Toggles | TD, IGN, WRN, CAP, BDN (individual on/off) | All enabled |
| Color Palette | 5 preset schemes available | Scheme 1 |
| Label Position | Above/Below candle | Auto-positioned |
| Label Size | Small, Medium, Large | Medium |
Note: Color customization available for all five event types in indicator settings.
πΈ Screenshot Coming Soon
Pentarch Settings Panel Configuration
We'll add a screenshot of the TradingView settings panel showing all configuration options and signal toggles.
π Educational Example: Bitcoin (December 2024)¶
(Historical observation for educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Past performance does not indicate future results.)
Observed Signal Sequence:
| Date | Signal | Price | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15 | TD | $42,500 | Accumulation conditions detected |
| Dec 18 | IGN | $43,800 | Markup conditions detected |
| Dec 22 | WRN | $47,200 | Distribution conditions detected |
| Dec 26 | Price | $44,900 | Price change observed |
Pattern Observed: TD β IGN β WRN β Price decline
Outcome: +$4,700 move from TD to WRN peak, then -$2,300 decline from WRN.
This example shows historical signal appearance. Individual interpretation and outcomes vary. No pattern guarantees any specific outcome.
π’ The Five Cycle Events Beginner Friendly¶
Note on Colors: Pentarch includes multiple color palettes for the five event labels. Default palette: TD (purple), IGN (teal), WRN (yellow), CAP (orange), BDN (red). Colors can be customized in indicator settings.
How the 5 cycle events progress from early accumulation to late breakdown:
Early Cycle / Trend Exhausting] TD --> IGN[π© IGN - IGNITION
Reversal Starting / New Trend Developing] IGN --> WRN[π¨ WRN - WARNING
Late Cycle Approaching / Trend Maturing] WRN --> CAP[π§ CAP - CAPITULATION
Climax/Exhaustion / Trend Ending] CAP --> BDN[π₯ BDN - BREAKDOWN
Trend Breakdown / Cycle Complete] BDN -.->|"May Reverse"| Start TD -.->|"Common:
Partial Sequence"| WRN IGN -.->|"Common:
Partial Sequence"| CAP style Start fill:#37474f,color:#fff,stroke:#263238,stroke-width:3px style TD fill:#2196f3,color:#fff,stroke:#1976d2,stroke-width:3px style IGN fill:#4caf50,color:#fff,stroke:#388e3c,stroke-width:3px style WRN fill:#ffd740,color:#333,stroke:#fbc02d,stroke-width:3px style CAP fill:#ff9800,color:#fff,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:3px style BDN fill:#f44336,color:#fff,stroke:#d32f2f,stroke-width:3px
Note: Complete 5-event cycles (TDβIGNβWRNβCAPβBDN) are rare. Partial sequences (TDβIGN or WRNβCAP) are more common and still valuable for trading.
βββ Solid arrows = Sequential progression - - - Dotted arrows = Common partial sequences
πΈ Screenshot Coming Soon
Pentarch Complete Signal Sequence Example
We'll add a chart example showing how signals progress through a complete cycle (TDβIGNβWRNβCAPβBDN).
π£ TD β Touchdown (Accumulation Phase)¶
Visual Display: "TD" label appears below candle
Default Color: Purple (customizable)
Detection Conditions:
- Price extended below Pilot Line threshold
- Oversold regime conditions present
- NanoFlow momentum validates
- All conditions confirm at bar close
Phase Indication: Accumulation phase conditions detected. Signals potential transition from decline into accumulation.
Example: Stock declines from $100 to $85, TD signal appears β Accumulation phase identified.
π©΅ IGN β Ignition (Markup Phase)¶
Visual Display: "IGN" label appears below candle
Default Color: Teal (customizable)
Detection Conditions:
- Momentum breakout conditions met
- Bullish structure shift confirmed
- All four detection layers aligned
- Bar close confirmation
Phase Indication: Markup phase beginning detected. Signals potential transition from accumulation into bullish momentum.
Example: After TD at $85, IGN appears at $87 β Markup phase identified.
π‘ WRN β Warning (Distribution Phase)¶
Visual Display: "WRN" label appears above candle
Default Color: Yellow (customizable)
Detection Conditions:
- Price extended above Pilot Line threshold
- Overbought regime conditions present
- Momentum weakening characteristics
- Distribution phase indicators present
Phase Indication: Distribution phase conditions detected. Signals potential transition from markup into distribution.
Example: Stock rallies to $115, WRN appears β Distribution phase identified.
π CAP β Climax (Climax Phase)¶
Visual Display: "CAP" label appears above candle
Default Color: Orange (customizable)
Detection Conditions:
- Extreme extension from Pilot Line
- Climax exhaustion across all layers
- Peak momentum characteristics
- Bar close confirmation
Phase Indication: Climax phase conditions detected. Signals late-cycle exhaustion characteristics.
Example: After WRN at $115, CAP appears at $120 β Climax phase identified.
π΄ BDN β Breakdown (Decline Phase)¶
Visual Display: "BDN" label appears above candle
Default Color: Red (customizable)
Detection Conditions:
- Bearish structure break confirmed
- Decline phase characteristics present
- Four-layer bearish alignment
- Bar close confirmation
Phase Indication: Decline phase initiation detected. Signals transition from climax into decline cycle.
Example: After CAP at $120, BDN appears at $113 β Decline phase identified.
β Knowledge Check
Question: Which Pentarch signals are considered "Early-Cycle" signals?
π Signal Sequence Patterns Intermediate¶
Pentarch displays various signal sequences. Some observed patterns include:
Full Cycle Pattern:
TD β IGN β WRN β CAP β BDN
(Complete cycle: Accumulation through Decline)
Partial Cycle Patterns:
TD β IGN (Early cycle only)
WRN β CAP (Late cycle only)
IGN β WRN (Markup to distribution)
Reversal Patterns:
BDN β TD β IGN (Decline to markup reversal)
CAP β BDN β TD (Climax to accumulation)
Interpretation of these patterns varies based on individual methodology. No pattern guarantees any specific outcome.
π Educational Example: S&P 500 Futures (January 2025)¶
(Historical observation for educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Past performance does not indicate future results.)
4-Hour Chart β Full Cycle Observation:
| Date/Time | Signal | Price | Phase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 8am | TD | 4,650 | Accumulation | Oversold conditions |
| Jan 6, 4pm | IGN | 4,685 | Markup | Momentum breakout |
| Jan 9, 12pm | WRN | 4,755 | Distribution | Extended conditions |
| Jan 10, 8am | CAP | 4,780 | Climax | Exhaustion detected |
| Jan 11, 4pm | BDN | 4,720 | Decline | Structure break |
Observed Move: TD to CAP = +130 points, CAP to BDN = -60 points
Pattern Type: Complete five-event cycle observed over 6 trading days.
This example demonstrates signal appearance sequence. Individual interpretation and subsequent actions vary.
π― The Pilot Line β Trend Reference Intermediate¶
Visual Display: Line on chart tracking dynamic trend position
Functionality:
- Adaptive trend line adjusts to price movement
- Serves as reference for signal distance calculations
- Changes color based on regime classification
- Updates continuously with each bar
Distance Measurement:
- TD signals: Price extended below line
- IGN signals: Price structure shifts bullish relative to line
- WRN signals: Price extended above line
- CAP signals: Extreme extension above line
- BDN signals: Price breaks below line bearishly
πΈ Screenshot Coming Soon
Pentarch Pilot Line and Regime Bar Coloring
We'll add a chart showing the Pilot Line and regime bar coloring system (green/red/gray bars).
Color States:
- Blue = Bearish regime identified
- Green = Bullish regime identified
- Gray = Neutral/transitional conditions
Pilot Line provides visual reference for cycle position. Interpretation varies by individual approach.
π¨ Regime Bar Colors β Market Structure Visualization Intermediate¶
Visual Display: Candle body colors change based on regime classification
Color Meanings:
| Color | Regime | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Bullish | Price structure shows bullish characteristics |
| Red | Bearish | Price structure shows bearish characteristics |
| Gray | Neutral | Transitional or unclear structure |
Functionality:
- Updates every bar based on regime analysis
- Provides visual context for signal appearance
- Independent of signal generation
Relationship to Signals:
- IGN signals appear during bullish regime transitions
- BDN signals appear during bearish regime transitions
- TD/WRN/CAP can appear in various regimes
Regime colors provide structure context. Individual interpretation varies.
Remember: Gray (neutral) regime bars indicate transitional periods where signal reliability decreases. TD and IGN signals during clear green/red regime bars carry more weight than signals during gray choppy periods. Wait for regime clarity for highest-confidence setups.
β‘ NanoFlow β Momentum Component Intermediate¶
Visual Display: Momentum oscillator in separate panel below chart
Functionality:
- Measures short-term momentum characteristics
- Oscillates between -100 and +100
- Color-coded: Green (bullish momentum), Red (bearish momentum)
- Updates each bar
Signal Relationship:
- IGN signals require bullish momentum validation
- BDN signals require bearish momentum validation
- TD/WRN/CAP require specific momentum thresholds
Zero Line:
- Above zero = Bullish momentum characteristics
- Below zero = Bearish momentum characteristics
- Crosses provide momentum shift indication
NanoFlow contributes to detection system. Not intended as standalone analysis tool.
π Four-Layer Detection System Advanced¶
Bullish/Bearish/Neutral Context] L1 --> L2[LAYER 2: PILOT LINE DISTANCE
Price Extension from Trend Line] L2 --> L3[LAYER 3: NANOFLOW MOMENTUM
Directional Momentum Validation] L3 --> L4[LAYER 4: BAR CLOSE CONFIRMATION
Final Validation at Bar Close] L4 --> Check{All 4 Layers
Confirmed?} Check -->|Yes, All Confirmed| Signal[π’ SIGNAL FIRES
IGN/CAP/WRN/BDN/TD] Check -->|No, Wait| Wait[β³ WAIT FOR NEXT BAR
Recheck Conditions] Signal --> Alert[π² Alert Notification Sent] Wait --> L1 style Input fill:#37474f,color:#fff,stroke:#263238,stroke-width:3px style L1 fill:#00bcd4,color:#fff,stroke:#0097a7,stroke-width:3px style L2 fill:#4caf50,color:#fff,stroke:#388e3c,stroke-width:3px style L3 fill:#ff9800,color:#fff,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:3px style L4 fill:#9c27b0,color:#fff,stroke:#7b1fa2,stroke-width:3px style Check fill:#2196f3,color:#fff,stroke:#1976d2,stroke-width:3px style Signal fill:#4caf50,color:#fff,stroke:#388e3c,stroke-width:4px style Wait fill:#ff9800,color:#fff,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:2px style Alert fill:#00bcd4,color:#fff,stroke:#0097a7,stroke-width:3px
How to read: Price data flows through four independent validation layers. Only when all four layers confirm simultaneously at bar close does a signal appear.
β‘ Layer Priority: Layer 1 (Regime Classification) is the most critical filter. If Layer 1 fails, the signal is rejected regardless of other layers. Think of it as a sequential gating system: Regime β Distance β Momentum β Confirmation.
Technical Methodology:
Layer 1: Regime Classification¶
- Analyzes price structure patterns
- Identifies bullish, bearish, or neutral conditions
- Provides foundational context for signals
Layer 2: Pilot Line Distance¶
- Measures price extension from adaptive trend line
- Calculates relative distance thresholds
- Determines oversold/overbought conditions
Layer 3: NanoFlow Momentum¶
- Validates momentum characteristics
- Confirms directional bias
- Checks threshold requirements
Layer 4: Bar Close Confirmation¶
- All conditions must hold at bar close
- Prevents mid-bar false signals
- Ensures stability before signal display
Signal Generation: Signals appear only when all four layers confirm simultaneously at bar close. No mid-bar signals occur.
β Knowledge Check
Question: How many detection layers must confirm simultaneously for a Pentarch signal to appear?
π Alert Configuration Beginner Friendly¶
Available Alert Options:
| Alert Type | Trigger Condition | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| TD Alert | TD signal appears at bar close | "Pentarch: TD signal" |
| IGN Alert | IGN signal appears at bar close | "Pentarch: IGN signal" |
| WRN Alert | WRN signal appears at bar close | "Pentarch: WRN signal" |
| CAP Alert | CAP signal appears at bar close | "Pentarch: CAP signal" |
| BDN Alert | BDN signal appears at bar close | "Pentarch: BDN signal" |
Configuration:
- Each alert can be enabled/disabled individually
- Alerts fire once per signal appearance
- No duplicate alerts for same signal
- Compatible with TradingView alert system
- Five Cycle Events: Pentarch detects five distinct market phases: TD (Accumulation), IGN (Markup), WRN (Distribution), CAP (Climax), and BDN (Decline)
- Four-Layer Detection: Signals appear only when Regime Classification, Pilot Line Distance, NanoFlow Momentum, and Bar Close Confirmation all align simultaneously
- Early vs Late Cycle: TD and IGN are early-cycle signals, while WRN, CAP, and BDN indicate late-cycle conditions
- Non-Repainting: All signals confirm at bar close and never change retroactively - what you see is what you get
- Signal Sequences: Complete cycles (TD β IGN β WRN β CAP β BDN) occur less often than partial sequences
- Components Work Together: Pilot Line provides trend reference, Regime Bars show structure, and NanoFlow validates momentum
- Alert Setup: Each of the five signals can be configured with individual TradingView alerts for real-time notifications
Next Steps: Explore Trading Workflow Guide to learn how to combine Pentarch with other Signal Pilot indicators, or see Alert Setup Guide for detailed configuration instructions.
π Integration with Other Indicators¶
While Pentarch provides powerful reversal signals on its own, combining it with other Signal Pilot indicators creates high-probability confluence setups. Here are proven integration workflows:
Pentarch + Janus Atlas (Levels Confluence)¶
Workflow:
- TD or IGN signal appears β Check if price is near a key Janus Atlas level (Daily Low, Weekly High, POC, VWAP, etc.)
- Level confluence = higher probability β Signal at key support/resistance level increases reliability
- Expected outcome: Reversal signals that align with structural levels have stronger follow-through
Example: TD signal fires while price touches Janus Atlas Daily Low = strong support confluence for potential bullish reversal
Pentarch + Volume Oracle (Volume Confirmation)¶
Workflow:
- CAP or BDN signal appears β Check Volume Oracle for volume spike confirmation
- High volume climax β CAP signal with volume spike = selling/buying exhaustion confirmed
- Expected outcome: Climactic signals with volume confirmation have higher reversal probability
Example: CAP signal fires with Volume Oracle showing 3x average volume spike = high-probability bearish exhaustion
Pentarch + Omnideck (Multi-System Validation)¶
Workflow:
- IGN signal appears β Check Omnideck Regime Box for trend context
- Omnideck shows bullish regime β IGN signal aligned with broader trend = higher probability
- Omnideck shows conflicting regime β Consider waiting for trend alignment or skip trade
Example: IGN bullish reversal signal with Omnideck showing bullish regime box = trend-aligned entry
Pentarch + Harmonic Oscillator (Momentum Confirmation)¶
Workflow:
- TD or IGN signal appears β Check if Harmonic Oscillator shows Bull or STRONG signal
- Momentum alignment β Pentarch reversal + momentum shift = powerful confluence
- Expected outcome: Signal + momentum agreement increases follow-through probability
Example: IGN signal fires while Harmonic Oscillator transitions from Bear to Bull = momentum confirmed reversal
Pro Tip: The Trinity Workflow
For highest-probability setups, combine Pentarch (timing) + Janus Atlas (levels) + Volume Oracle (confirmation). Look for IGN/CAP signals that occur at key levels with volume spikes. This triple-confluence approach filters for only the strongest opportunities.
See also: Complete Trading Workflow Guide for detailed multi-indicator strategies.
β οΈ Common Mistakes to Avoid¶
These mistakes are frequently made by new Pentarch users. Avoid them to improve your results:
Mistake #1: Trading Every Signal Without Context¶
The Problem: Not all signals have equal probability. TD/IGN signals in choppy, ranging markets often lead to whipsaws. Trading every signal without considering market context reduces win rate.
The Fix:
- Confirm trend context first (use Omnideck Regime Box or Pilot Line direction)
- Higher timeframe signals (4H, Daily) generally more reliable than 5-minute signals
- Look for confluence with other indicators (Janus Atlas levels, Volume Oracle spikes)
- Skip signals during low-volume, narrow-range conditions
Remember: Quality over quantity. Wait for high-confluence setups.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Signal Sequence Position¶
The Problem: BDN signal without prior CAP/WRN signals = late-cycle signal. The best reversals occur early in cycles (TD β IGN), not late (BDN after extended move).
The Fix:
- Prioritize TD and IGN signals (early-cycle, higher potential)
- Be cautious with standalone BDN signals (may indicate you're late)
- Complete sequences (TD β IGN β WRN β CAP β BDN) are rare but powerful
- Partial sequences (TD β IGN) are more common and still effective
Remember: Early signals (TD/IGN) offer better risk:reward than late signals (BDN).
Mistake #3: Using Excessively Low Timeframes¶
The Problem: 1-minute and 5-minute charts produce many signals, but noise increases and reliability decreases. Beginners often over-trade these timeframes.
The Fix:
- Start with 15-minute or 1-hour timeframes to learn signal behavior
- 4-hour and Daily timeframes provide highest signal quality
- If day-trading, use 15m minimum and confirm with higher timeframe context
- Lower timeframes require tighter risk management (wider stops often needed)
Remember: Higher timeframes = cleaner signals, lower noise, better win rates.
Mistake #4: Trading Without Stop Loss¶
The Problem: Not all Pentarch signals result in immediate reversals. Without stop losses, losing trades can spiral into large losses.
The Fix:
- Place stop loss below recent swing low (for longs) or above swing high (for shorts)
- IGN signals: Stop below TD signal level or recent support
- CAP signals: Stop above recent high (for bearish setups)
- Use 1-2% account risk maximum per trade
Remember: Signals provide timing, but risk management keeps you in the game.
Mistake #5: Treating All Five Signals as Equally Important¶
The Problem: TD and WRN are "warning" signals (watch for potential setup), while IGN and CAP are "action" signals (potential entry points). Beginners often confuse signal purpose.
The Fix:
- TD (Accumulation): Watch signal - trend may be exhausting, be ready
- IGN (Ignition): Action signal - potential entry for early reversal
- WRN (Warning): Watch signal - late cycle, reduce position size or prepare exit
- CAP (Capitulation): Action signal - potential entry for climax reversal
- BDN (Breakdown): Late signal - be cautious, may have missed the move
Remember: IGN and CAP are primary entry signals. TD/WRN are context/warning signals.
Mistake #6: No Profit Target or Exit Plan¶
The Problem: Entering on a signal without knowing when to exit leads to giving back profits or holding through reversals.
The Fix:
- Use Janus Atlas levels as profit targets (next resistance/support level)
- Exit at opposite-direction signal (IGN long β exit at WRN or CAP)
- Set minimum 1:2 risk:reward ratio (risk $10 to make $20+)
- Trail stop using Pilot Line or recent swing levels
Remember: Pentarch gives you entry timing, but you need an exit plan.
Additional Resources
For more trading best practices, see Best Practices & Pro Tips. For risk management guidance, see Trading Workflow Guide.
π«οΈ When This Doesn't Work Well¶
Pentarch signals show reduced reliability in certain market conditions. Recognizing these environments helps set appropriate expectations:
Choppy, Sideways Markets¶
The Condition: When price moves sideways in a tight range with no clear directional bias, signals fire more frequently but follow-through diminishes. Gray (neutral) regime bars often cluster during these periods.
What Happens: TD/IGN signals may fire multiple times in alternating directions without sustained moves. Signal-to-noise ratio decreases. Whipsaws become more common.
Context: This isn't a flawβit reflects actual market behavior. Sideways consolidation produces ambiguous momentum patterns that generate valid but lower-probability signals.
Extremely Low Volume Periods¶
The Condition: During holidays, overnight sessions, or illiquid trading hours, volume drops significantly below average levels.
What Happens: Price moves lack institutional participation. Signals may fire on small retail-driven moves that quickly reverse. Follow-through becomes unreliable.
Context: Pentarch detects momentum shifts, but low volume means those shifts lack the "fuel" (buying/selling pressure) to sustain moves. Combine with Volume Oracle to identify these conditions.
Major News Events & Earnings Releases¶
The Condition: During Federal Reserve announcements, earnings reports, or major geopolitical events, price action becomes driven by news rather than technical patterns.
What Happens: Signals may fire immediately before/after events, but price can gap or reverse violently regardless of signal. Technical patterns temporarily lose predictive value as fundamental news dominates.
Context: Pentarch analyzes price and momentumβit doesn't "know" about external catalysts. Signals remain technically valid but compete with stronger fundamental forces during these windows.
Very Low Timeframes (1-Minute, 5-Minute)¶
The Condition: On 1m and 5m charts, market microstructure noise (bid-ask spreads, algos, spoofing) becomes significant relative to price moves.
What Happens: Signal frequency increases dramatically, but many signals represent noise rather than meaningful momentum shifts. Stop losses get hit more frequently due to volatility relative to move size.
Context: Pentarch works on all timeframes, but very low timeframes amplify noise faster than they amplify signal quality. Higher timeframes (15m+, 1H, 4H, Daily) filter out microstructure noise and improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Extended Trends Without Clear Exhaustion Signals¶
The Condition: During strong trending markets (especially parabolic moves), counter-trend signals may fire but price continues trending without reversal.
What Happens: CAP or TD signals appear suggesting reversal, but momentum remains so strong that price only pauses briefly before continuing the original trend. Counter-trend signals get "run over" by persistent momentum.
Context: Markets can remain overbought or oversold longer than technical indicators suggest. Pentarch detects exhaustion patterns, but extraordinary trends (driven by strong narratives or momentum cascades) can persist beyond typical cycle lengths. Confirm with Omnideck regime strength and Volume Oracle exhaustion patterns.
Recognizing Reduced Reliability Environments
Practical Identification:
- Gray regime bars clustering: Signal of choppy conditionsβwait for regime clarity
- Volume bars consistently below average: Use Volume Oracle to confirm low participation
- Calendar awareness: Check economic calendars for major scheduled events
- Signal frequency spiking: If you see 5+ signals in rapid succession alternating directions, you're likely in chop
- Timeframe comparison: If 5m shows signals but 1H doesn't, the lower timeframe is likely noise
Remember: Pentarch doesn't "fail" in these conditionsβit accurately reflects that the market itself is ambiguous or driven by non-technical factors. Skipping low-quality environments is as important as identifying high-quality ones.
β Frequently Asked Questions¶
Q: When do signals appear?¶
A: Signals appear when all four detection layers confirm simultaneously at bar close. No mid-bar signals occur.
Q: Can signals repaint?¶
A: No. All signals confirm at bar close and do not change retroactively.
Q: How many signals appear on average?¶
A: Signal frequency varies by asset, timeframe, and market conditions. Some periods show frequent signals, others show sparse signals.
Q: Do all five signals always appear?¶
A: No. Partial cycles occur more often than complete cycles. Complete five-event cycles appear less often than partial sequences.
Q: What timeframes work?¶
A: All timeframes supported. Signal characteristics may vary across different timeframe selections.
Q: Can multiple signals appear on same bar?¶
A: No. Only one signal type appears per bar close.
Q: What if I miss a signal?¶
A: Signals remain on chart after appearance. Historical signals visible on past bars.
Q: How do I customize colors?¶
A: Open indicator settings β Navigate to color section β Select from 5 preset palettes or customize individual event colors.
Q: Does Pentarch work on futures/forex/crypto?¶
A: Yes. Compatible with all asset types available on TradingView.
Q: Can I use Pentarch with other indicators?¶
A: Yes. Pentarch can be combined with other analysis tools. Compatibility with entire Signal Pilot suite available.
π Quick Reference Guide¶
Signal Quick Reference¶
| Signal | Position | Default Color | Phase | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD | Below candle | Purple | Accumulation | Oversold, below Pilot Line |
| IGN | Below candle | Teal | Markup | Momentum breakout, structure shift |
| WRN | Above candle | Yellow | Distribution | Extended, momentum weakening |
| CAP | Above candle | Orange | Climax | Extreme extension, exhaustion |
| BDN | Above candle | Red | Decline | Structure break, bearish shift |
Note: Colors shown are default palette. All colors customizable in indicator settings.
Component Quick Reference¶
| Component | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Signal Labels | On chart | Show cycle phase detection |
| Pilot Line | On chart | Dynamic trend reference |
| Regime Colors | Candle bodies | Structure visualization |
| NanoFlow | Bottom panel | Momentum oscillator |
Common Signal Sequences¶
Early Cycle: TD β IGN
Full Cycle: TD β IGN β WRN β CAP β BDN
Late Cycle: WRN β CAP β BDN
Reversal: BDN β TD β IGN
Before using Pentarch in your trading, ask yourself:
- Can you identify all five Pentarch signals (TD, IGN, WRN, CAP, BDN) and explain what market phase each represents?
- Do you understand the four-layer detection system and why all layers must confirm simultaneously?
- Can you distinguish between Early-Cycle signals (TD, IGN) and Late-Cycle signals (WRN, CAP, BDN)?
- Have you successfully configured at least one Pentarch alert on TradingView with "Once Per Bar Close" setting?
- Do you understand that Pentarch shows cycle phase detection, not trading instructions, and requires your own interpretation?
If yes to all 5: You're ready to use Pentarch! Explore the Workflow Guide to learn combination strategies.
If no to any: Review the relevant section above or use the chatbot (bottom right) to ask specific questions.
π Support¶
Technical Questions:
support@signalpilot.io
See Also¶
Related Pages:
- Janus Atlas v1.0 - Combine cycle timing with key structural levels
- Omnideck v1.0 - All-in-one indicator including Pentarch signals
- Pentarch Quick Reference - One-page signal cheatsheet
- How to Set Up Alerts - Never miss a cycle event signal
- Trading Workflow - How Pentarch fits into complete trading system
Disclaimer: This indicator provides cycle phase detection based on technical analysis methodology. All signals represent historical condition detection. Individual interpretation, application, and outcomes vary. Past signal patterns do not guarantee future results. This is not financial advice.