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OptionsRealTime

Troubleshooting

Quick Checklist

Section titled “Quick Checklist”

If something isn’t working, go through this checklist in order:

  1. TWS or IBKR Gateway is running and logged in
  2. NATS server is running (Start NATS shortcut, or running as a service)
  3. Rover is running and showing activity:
    • Check Throughput in the Rover Configuration tab; Bytes should be streaming
    • Check the Rover Monitoring tab; You should see data
  4. Launch OptionsRealTime UI and select your account

If all four steps check out, data should be flowing.

Stale Data or Connection Errors

Section titled “Stale Data or Connection Errors”

If data stops updating or you see connection errors:

Step 1: Reboot the Publisher

Section titled “Step 1: Reboot the Publisher”
  • In Rover: Click the reboot button in the Configuration tab for the account not receiving data
  • Or in OptionsRealTime UI: Click the reboot icon in the upper right corner

Step 2: Restart TWS (if Step 1 didn’t help)

Section titled “Step 2: Restart TWS (if Step 1 didn’t help)”
  1. In TWS Desktop: File → Restart
  2. Wait for TWS to reconnect to IBKR
  3. Rover will automatically reconnect to TWS

Connection Issues

Section titled “Connection Issues”

TWS API Connection Fails

Section titled “TWS API Connection Fails”
  1. Verify TWS is running and logged in
  2. Check API settings in TWS:
    • File → Global Configuration → API → Settings
    • Enable ActiveX and Socket Clients: ✅
    • Socket Port: 7496 (or other value if running multiple TWS instances)
    • Allow connections from localhost only: ✅
    • Read-Only API: ✅ (recommended for security)
  3. Restart TWS after changing settings

NATS Connection Failed

Section titled “NATS Connection Failed”
  1. Verify NATS server is running (check for console window or service)
  2. Run Start NATS manually to see any error messages
  3. Ensure port 4222 is not in use by another application

Remote Machine Can’t Connect

Section titled “Remote Machine Can’t Connect”

See the Multi-Machine Setup guide for firewall configuration.

Data Issues

Section titled “Data Issues”

No Positions Loading

Section titled “No Positions Loading”
  1. Confirm Rover shows “Publishing” status and Throughput is non-zero
  2. Verify you selected the correct account in the UI
  3. Check TWS for any API error messages

Market Data Not Updating

Section titled “Market Data Not Updating”
  1. Verify your IBKR market data subscriptions cover the instruments you hold
  2. Check TWS for “Market data farm” connection status (bottom of TWS window)
  3. Try the reboot steps above

Need More Help?

Section titled “Need More Help?”

Contact support@optionsrealtime.com