Prerequisites
- A saved profile with a connected leader and at least one follower.
- Leader and followers flat before the profile starts.
- A broker platform open for independent position and order verification.
What follower protection detects
| Condition | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Out of sync | The follower net position differs from the whole-contract position expected from leader quantity and ratio. | Wrong size, follower open while leader is flat, or wrong direction. |
| Opposite direction | Leader and follower both have nonzero positions, but one is long and the other is short. | Leader long while follower is short. |
The two conditions can use separate delays from 1 to 120 seconds. Opposite direction is normally the more urgent condition, but the right delay depends on broker update timing and the trading style.
How a protection action works
Observe
Copilink sees a mismatch on an enabled follower and records a warning.
Wait
The configured delay starts while broker position updates continue.
Recheck
If the mismatch resolves during the delay, the pending action is cancelled. At the end of the delay, Copilink checks again.
Request flatten
If the mismatch remains and position comparison is dependable, copying pauses and Copilink sends an account-wide flatten request for that follower.
Disengage when configured
If Disengage follower after protection action is enabled, the follower is switched off after the action, including when the flatten reports failure.
Record the result
Activity records the outcome. A failed close-out becomes a critical issue because broker exposure can remain.
When protection is unavailable
- A disconnect removes dependable position comparison. Required copying pauses or enters Issue, while broker positions remain open.
- Manual follower orders, broker liquidations, differing fills, ratio or symbol changes, and pre-existing positions can create mismatches.
- Account risk limits are separate. They can continue only when their own current account-wide P&L and storage requirements are satisfied.
Recover and re-enable a follower
Stop new leader activity
Keep the affected follower or profile off while exposure is uncertain.
Inspect the broker
Confirm positions, working orders, rejects, and fills on both leader and follower.
Make the relationship safe
Flatten or deliberately reconcile at the broker and fix the connection, sizing, symbol, or risk cause.
Re-enable deliberately
Use the follower switch only after the intended relationship is safe. Copilink does not recreate a leader position that already exists.
Test again
Start flat and place a small simulation trade before returning to normal use.
What success looks like
- Protection settings and delays are visible in the saved profile.
- A simulation mismatch that resolves inside the delay cancels without action.
- A deliberate simulation mismatch produces the expected warning and configured action.
- The final position and working-order state is verified at the broker.
Troubleshooting
- Protection did not act: confirm it is enabled, the follower is enabled, connections are current, and only one instrument is open on each side.
- Follower stays disengaged: protection does not re-enable followers. Correct the cause and re-enable manually.
- Flatten failed: treat the Activity incident as critical and manage residual exposure directly at the broker.
- Mismatch returns: check manual follower orders, partial fills, pre-existing positions, ratio changes, and broker disconnects.
Still stuck? Open the full troubleshooting guide or email support@copilink.com.