Elder Impulse Pass Node
Elder Impulse System — Series Input
Overview
The Elder Impulse Pass Node applies the Elder Impulse System to a series input. It combines a short-period EMA (slope) with a MACD histogram (momentum) to produce a directional impulse signal — identifying when both trend and momentum align in the same direction.
Developed by Dr. Alexander Elder, the Impulse System color-codes market bars: green when both EMA slope and MACD histogram are rising (bullish impulse), red when both are falling (bearish impulse), and neutral when they diverge. As a Pass node it works on any numeric series, enabling impulse analysis on derived data streams.
Algorithm
Parameters
| Parameter | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| fastPeriod | 13 | Short-period EMA for both trend slope and MACD computation |
Inputs & Outputs
| Slot | Direction | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Input | { values, timestamps } | Any numeric series |
| values | Output | (number | null)[] | Impulse signal: +1 bullish, −1 bearish, 0 neutral; nulls during warm-up |
| timestamps | Output | number[] | Unix timestamps aligned to input |
Use Cases
Multi-Timeframe Trade Filter
In Elder's Triple Screen system, the Impulse on the intermediate timeframe acts as a gate — only take long entries on the short timeframe when the intermediate Impulse is green (+1), and short entries only when it is red (−1).
Entry Permission System
Use Elder Impulse as a binary permission gate — allow long entries only when signal = +1 and short entries only when signal = −1. This prevents trading against the current market impulse.
Impulse on Derived Series
Apply Elder Impulse Pass to a volume series, RSI output, or any custom indicator — measuring whether the indicator itself has aligned trend and momentum, enabling novel cross-signal confirmation patterns.
Tips & Best Practices
Designed for Daily Charts
The original Impulse System was designed for daily timeframes with fastPeriod=13 (two-week EMA). On shorter timeframes, reduce fastPeriod proportionally (e.g., 5 for hourly charts) to maintain similar sensitivity.
Neutral Is a Restraint Signal
When impulse = 0, the system is not confirming either direction — this is a prohibition on entries, not an entry itself. Elder's original rule: during neutral bars, you may hold existing positions but should not open new ones.
Count Consecutive Impulses
Multiple consecutive bars with the same impulse signal (e.g., 3+ green bars) indicates a strong, sustained trend phase. Fewer consecutive same-direction bars suggests weakening momentum. Track run length for signal quality assessment.