Astibot is a trading bot designed for the Coinbase Pro platform, offering a user-friendly, visual approach to automated cryptocurrency trading. It executes trades via API keys and employs a straightforward yet effective strategy, complemented by a powerful simulation tool for backtesting configurations.
How Astibot Works
Astibot makes trading decisions based on two real-time indicators:
- A MACD-like indicator that generates buy and sell signals using two moving averages—one fast and one slow. These averages are calculated using signal processing algorithms (recursive low-pass filters) rather than traditional methods. They can be adjusted for short-term sensitivity (around 5-minute charts) or greater resistance to market noise (approximately 2-hour charts).
- A risk indicator that helps prevent buying at excessively high prices where profitable selling becomes challenging. Users can set their preferred risk level using a dedicated slider. This line auto-adjusts to reflect recent market averages but is weighted according to the user’s risk tolerance.
Core Features
- Real-time graph updates with live trade markers (buy/sell indicators)
- Support for both live trading and simulation (backtesting) modes
- Customizable MACD-like indicator for identifying trading opportunities
- Compatible with specific Coinbase Pro trading pairs (configurable in the code)
Advanced Functionality
- Risk Line: A dynamic upper price limit that prevents purchases above a certain threshold
- Stop Loss: Automatically sells an asset if its price falls below a user-defined percentage of the purchase price
- Sell Trigger: Sets a fixed profit percentage for quick scalping. If set to zero, Astibot relies solely on its indicator for sell decisions
- Order Management: Prioritizes limit orders for reduced fees, switching to market orders if necessary or canceling the trade if signal strength declines
Getting Started with Astibot
Astibot is compatible with any system running Python 3, including Raspberry Pi devices for continuous operation.
Installation
Begin by installing the required dependencies:
pip3 install pyqt5 pyqtgraph tzlocal cbpro twilio scipy ipdbLaunching the Bot
- Run the command:
python Astibot.py - Upon first launch, input your Coinbase Pro API keys (ensure they have both view and trade permissions)
Performance and Practical Insights
Based on extended testing, here’s what to expect:
- Astibot thrives in volatile markets—price swings of 0.8% to 1% are essential for identifying dips and peaks and covering transaction fees
- It performs well during sideways markets with decent volume and volatility, sometimes outperforming the market
- In bull markets, Astibot may struggle to find buying opportunities due to its risk-averse design
- During bear markets, it tends to buy dips but often fails to secure profitable exits amid declining prices
Success with Astibot depends heavily on timing. Use the simulation mode to test different settings and identify optimal conditions for live trading.
👉 Explore advanced trading strategies
Development and Customization
Astibot serves as a solid foundation for implementing more advanced trading strategies. Its modular design allows for easier expansion and customization.
Current Limitations
- Limit order execution is complex and may not function flawlessly; by default, Astibot uses market orders to avoid issues
- The bot currently only supports Coinbase Pro, though its structure allows for potential integration with other exchanges like Binance or Bitfinex
Areas for Improvement
- Some modules could be broken down into smaller, more manageable components
- The codebase originally focused on fiat-crypto pairs; recent additions for BTC-based pairs require variable renaming for better clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Astibot?
Astibot is an automated trading bot for Coinbase Pro that uses a visual interface and real-time indicators to execute trades. It supports both live trading and backtesting.
How does the risk indicator work?
The risk indicator adjusts dynamically to market conditions while respecting the user’s predefined risk level. It sets an upper price limit to avoid buying at peaks.
Can Astibot trade on other exchanges?
Currently, Astibot only supports Coinbase Pro. However, its modular architecture allows for future expansion to other platforms.
Is Astibot suitable for beginners?
Yes, its visual simulation mode helps users test strategies without financial risk. However, understanding basic trading concepts is beneficial.
What markets are ideal for Astibot?
Astibot performs best in volatile or sideways markets with sufficient price movement. It is less effective in strong bull or bear markets.
How do I optimize Astibot’s settings?
Use the simulation mode to backtest different configurations. Adjust the MACD-like indicator and risk level based on market conditions and your trading goals.