Support / Steel Trading Desk
App Support
Updated May 15, 2026
Frequently asked questions for Steel Trading Desk — the four-gate sequence, the hard exit, optional live data, and how to reach us.
The Desk
What does the desk do?
It enforces a four-gate sequence for VXX/VIX/VWAP-style discretionary entries. The current blocker is always highlighted so you can see exactly why the desk is saying NO TRADE.
Do I need an account?
No. The full workflow runs offline. There is no account system.
The Four Gates
Gates clear in order:
1. Volume + VXX time window. Is the tape inside a valid VXX window with sufficient volume?
2. VXX/VIX ratio and divergence. Are the two instruments diverging in the right direction?
3. VWAP or key level. Is price interacting with a defined level?
4. Rejection pattern. Is there a visible rejection? Manual execution and risk management follow on your broker.
The Hard Exit
From 15:50 to 16:10 ET, the desk replaces itself with a full-screen takeover: a giant countdown to 15:55 and your open position summary. The bell is not optional.
Live Data
Does Steel require an API key?
No. The desk runs entirely on manual tape entry by default.
How does the optional live-data integration work?
Pick a provider in Settings → Data Source (Finnhub, Polygon, Schwab, or Yahoo), paste your own API key (stored in Keychain), and the price and volume gates auto-populate every 30 seconds. Pattern, level, and news stay manual on purpose.
Disclaimer
Steel Trading Desk is an educational discipline utility. It does not execute trades, manage funds, provide financial advice, or connect as a brokerage service. You are responsible for your own trading decisions and risk.
Contact
For support, contact MDRN at support@mdrn.app. Include your platform (iPhone / iPad / Mac), app version, and a short description of what happened. Do not send API keys or account credentials in support emails.
Privacy
Read the Steel Trading Desk privacy policy at mdrn.app/apps/steeltradingdesk/privacy.html.