Could someone clarify the compatibility situation with data feeds for me? Currently, I have three different data feeds now. This setup has evolved over time. However, in my research, I've discovered that you can connect Bookmap via NT8, but not with a Rithmic connection because NT8 only supports their own data feeds, right?

Old setup: AMP Futures: Using a Rithmic Level 2 data feed connected in the past via Bookmap to trade (via DOM).
NinjaTrader 8: Using a separate CME Level 2 data feed for footprint charts.

New setup:
Bookmap: Connected to a Rithmic Level 2 data feed via Topstep.

Now, I understand that if I obtain a Level 2 Rithmic feed through Topstep and select the option to connect with NT8 during the account setup, it works. But does this mean that NT8 doesn't support MBO data? And does this mean that using a bridge via NT8 to Bookmap won't work?

I have also seen some tutorials that suggest you can create a similar connection bridge via Rithmic Trader Pro ??

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of different connections vs. One connection for all platforms (Bookmap/NT8)

Additionally, is it possible to create a connection with Tradervue or Tradersync? Currently, I use an Excel sheet to upload my trades via my broker AMP, but since I have recently been trading with Topstep, this has become obsolete. I would like to use one of the Trading Journal Software options. Is this possible, or am I stuck with the specific Trading Journal tools provided by Topstep?

NinjaTrader 8 (NT8) does support Rithmic natively, but there are some limitations depending on the type of data you're accessing. Here’s a more accurate breakdown:

NT8 Supports Rithmic: NinjaTrader has native support for Rithmic as a data feed and order execution provider. You can use Rithmic to trade and receive Level 2 market depth data within NT8. The confusion arises from the different features provided by Rithmic and what NT8 can handle.

MBO Data Limitation: NinjaTrader 8, as of now, does not support MBO (Market-By-Order) data. This is a specific feature provided by some data feeds like Rithmic, which allows for the visibility of individual orders, rather than aggregated Level 2 data. NT8 handles market depth (Level 2), but not the granular MBO data.

So, while you can connect NT8 to Rithmic for trading and Level 2 data, NT8 won’t display the more detailed MBO data.

Trading Journal Integration (Tradervue or Tradersync)

Both Tradervue and Tradersync can import trades from Topstep or AMP.

Tradervue: You can upload your trade history using a CSV file from platforms like Rithmic, Bookmap, or NT8, so it’s quite versatile.
Tradersync: Offers similar functionality for uploading trades from different sources.

You should be able to move away from Excel by exporting trade data from either your broker (AMP or Topstep) or Bookmap and then importing that data into Tradervue or Tradersync, making the switch easier.

Data Feed Compatibility in NinjaTrader 8
1. Connecting Bookmap with NT8 and Rithmic:

NinjaTrader 8 supports various data feeds, including its own services and third-party connections like Rithmic. However, the direct integration between Bookmap and Rithmic through NT8 has certain limitations:

Bookmap through NT8: Bookmap can connect to NT8 using the APIs provided by NinjaTrader. This generally requires that NT8 is configured with a compatible data source that can be interpreted by Bookmap.

Rithmic in NT8: NT8 supports Rithmic connections, but there are certain restrictions. If you configure NT8 to use the Rithmic data feed through Topstep, NT8 will handle Level 2 data and the DOM (Depth of Market). However, compatibility with MBO (Market by Order) data is not directly supported by NT8.

2. MBO Data Support in NT8:

NT8 does not offer native support for MBO data. MBO data provides a more detailed view of the order flow in the market, showing each individual order instead of just the aggregated levels. Since NT8 focuses more on Level 1 and Level 2 data, the lack of MBO support means that some advanced functionalities of Bookmap might not be available when using NT8 as a bridge with Rithmic.

3. Using Alternative Bridges:

There are alternatives to connect Bookmap with Rithmic without going through NT8:

Rithmic Trader Pro: Some tutorials suggest using Rithmic Trader Pro as an intermediary to create a bridge between Rithmic and Bookmap. This setup may allow a more direct connection that could support MBO data, depending on the capabilities of Trader Pro and how it handles the data.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Connections
Single Connection for All Platforms (Bookmap/NT8):

Advantages:

Simplicity: Fewer configurations and potential points of failure.
Data Consistency: All programs access the same data source, ensuring coherence.
Lower Latency: Fewer intermediaries can reduce latency in data transmission.
Disadvantages:

Compatibility Limitations: Since NT8 does not support MBO, some advanced functionalities of Bookmap might not be available.
Reduced Flexibility: You cannot leverage specific features of each platform that might require different data configurations.
Separate Connections for Each Platform:

Advantages:

Greater Flexibility: You can optimize each connection according to the specific needs of each platform.
Advanced Data Support: Possibility to use different data sources that support advanced features like MBO in Bookmap.
Disadvantages:

Complexity: Setting up and maintaining multiple connections can be more complex and prone to errors.
Data Synchronization: Ensuring that all platforms are synchronized can be challenging.