The six dots are directional context
The LevelBeacon trend dashboard shows six timeframes: 1m, 5m, 15m, 1H, 4H and 1D. Each dot is a simple directional classifier based on the relationship between the 9-period EMA and 21-period EMA on that timeframe.
- Green: bullish direction (fast EMA above slow EMA).
- Red: bearish direction (fast EMA below slow EMA).
- Grey: the averages are equal or data is unavailable. Grey is a fallback state, not a separate “sideways market” model.
You do not need all six dots to match
A common mistake is waiting for all six timeframes to turn the same color before doing anything. LevelBeacon uses relevant three-timeframe groups for the Opportunity layer, based on the chart you are trading:
| Chart timeframe | Relevant MTF group | Opportunity alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 minute | 1m · 5m · 15m | At least 2 of 3 in the opportunity direction |
| Above 1m through 5m | 5m · 15m · 1H | At least 2 of 3 |
| Above 5m through 15m | 15m · 1H · 4H | At least 2 of 3 |
| Above 15 minute | 1H · 4H · 1D | At least 2 of 3 |
The stricter Setup engine uses its own timeframe-dependent requirements. Therefore, “2 of 3” is an Opportunity rule, not a universal rule that every BULL/BEAR Setup follows.
Why higher-timeframe dots can feel slower
Higher-timeframe context uses completed higher-timeframe values between boundaries. For example, a 1H dot on a 5m chart should not freely change based on an unfinished 1H candle and then repaint after reload. This close-synchronized design improves live/reload consistency, but it also means a higher-timeframe dot can legitimately remain unchanged until that higher-timeframe information is confirmed.
How to use aligned and mixed context
Aligned context
If the relevant group is aligned with the structural role and Strength, the chart has fewer internal conflicts. Still require acceptable location and confirmation.
Mixed context
Mixed dots tell you different horizons disagree. That can be a reason to reduce conviction, wait for clearer price behavior or skip the trade.
On a 5m trade, the 5m/15m/1H group is more directly relevant than demanding the 1D dot match. The higher dots are still valuable context, but they are not all equal inputs for every chart timeframe.
Read the timeframe labels, not just the colors
On a 5m chart, read 5m, 15m and 1H together. On a 15m chart, read 15m, 1H and 4H. The other dots remain context; lower-timeframe dots are sampled information, not a record of every lower-timeframe move inside the current candle.
Confirmed higher-timeframe inputs reduce dependence on unfinished candles. They do not guarantee identical results across revised data, different feeds or different loaded history. A static screenshot cannot establish when a dot changed.