how to call 2 distinct PreviewKeyDown methods from a 3rd one

[PaulMohn]

Hello Chelsea,
My question is related to your post
https://ninjatrader.com/support/foru...973#post685973

But the thread was closed.

I have a problem with 2 PreviewKeyDown methods.

On_quantitySelector_PreviewKeyDown()

ChartControl_PreviewKeyDown()

the 1st method executes an action to move the focus out of the QuantitySelector TextBox (after new size input, AND it requires the cursor to be in focus inside the QS Textbox to work and move the focus on the Chart Window).

The 2nd method executes a regular BuyMar****der (BUT it needs as for the 1st method for the cursor to be in focus BUT THIS TIME on the Chart Window to work and enter the BuyMar****rder).

My goal would be to combine the 2 methods by calling them 1 after the other with a 200ms pause inbetween.

But the problem is with the focus.

I thought of (untested yet) calling the 2 methods inside a 3rd method, but the issue would be to use what PreviewkeyDown method?
It seems if I select On_quantitySelector_PreviewKeyDown() for the 3rd method as

On_quantitySelector_PreviewKeyDown() // method 3
{
   On_quantitySelector_PreviewKeyDown() // method 1

   wait 200ms

   ChartControl_PreviewKeyDown() // method 2
} 

it would only execute the 1st method because the 2nd requires the focus on the Chart AND also a ChartControl_PreviewKeyDown method as calling method (the 3rd method seems requiring to be both of the 1st and 3rd type for it to work for the focus and for the calling).

The flow would be:

0. Focus in the Qs TextBox ->
1. user Presses the E Key ->

1. the 3rd method (a second On_quantitySelector_PreviewKeyDown() one) calls the 1st method and does executes the focus move out of the QS TextBox
2. With focus now on the Chart, method 3 calls method 2 which should work since the focus is the correct one, but doesn't work since the calling method (method 3) is of type On_quantitySelector_PreviewKeyDown() which only works if the focus is inside the QS TextBox.

Vice-versa problem if I select the 2nd method as 3rd method type.

What alternative workaround would you think of? Thanks!

[jeronymite]

PaulMohn You could also consider using a common event handler that takes appropriate actions based on the UIElement that generates the event, perhaps along these lines:

...
<control>.PreviewKeyDown += OnPreviewKeyDown;  // Whatever control is relevant, for each control of interest
...
private void OnPreviewKeyDown(object sender, System.Windows.Input.KeyEventArgs e)
{
    Key key = e.Key;

    if (sender is ChartControl)
    {
    // Handle ChartControl
    }
    else
    if (sender is QuantityUpDown)
    {
    // Handle QuantityUpDown
    }
    // ... etc
}

You would need to know the specific controls that the event handler needed to be added to, and you would need to be sure that the events are being detected and handled correctly. This may require some experimentation with the controls you have mentioned. The first step might be to see if you can simply detect (preview) key press events for the controls you're interested in. When that is working, then code for the actions you want.

You may be able to integrate your dependencies more easily in this manner. Just a thought.

Thanks.

[PaulMohn]

jeronymite thank you very much for the very useful sample and concepts. I'd have never thought you could assign the OnPreviewKeyDown to multiple Controls at once, nor that you could name the method as is without the control reference. But it works. Thanks again!

Attached a preliminary working sample version with keys

• D triggering the focus out of the QS Textbox + PreviewKeyDown event of ChartControl type (for Buy order logic, printing preliminary test works)
• F triggering the focus out of the QS Textbox + PreviewKeyDown event of ChartControl type (for Sell order logic, printing preliminary test works)
• C triggering the focus out of the QS Textbox (printing preliminary test works)

Lines of interest
https://pastecode.io/s/1s0wzyiw

• 113
• 128, 130
• 168
• 229-256
• 266-338

I think I'll use the snippets directly vs calling the methods as it seems it's working and simpler.

I'll update and test with the ProfitSniper script and share on the User Apps Share asa. Many thanks again for the valuable direction and concepts!

[PaulMohn]

jeronymite upon further tests with your very handy (sender is ChartControl) mention,
I found this new way (sender as ChartControl) from this tip.

I realized I just needed it as

      private async void OnPreviewKeyDown(object sender, System.Windows.Input.KeyEventArgs p)
      {
        await ChartControl.Dispatcher.InvokeAsync((Action) (() =>
        {
          if(p.Key == Key.D)
          {
              Keyboard.Focus(sender as ChartControl); 

in

     #region OnPreviewKeyDown / FocusOut & EnterBuyMarket Order OR EnterShortmar****rder

      private async void OnPreviewKeyDown(object sender, System.Windows.Input.KeyEventArgs p)
      {
        await ChartControl.Dispatcher.InvokeAsync((Action) (() =>
        {
          if(p.Key == Key.D)
          {
            #region FocusOut of QS TextBox

              Keyboard.Focus(sender as ChartControl);

            #endregion

            #region Enter BuyMar****rder

              TriggerCustomEvent(k =>
              {
                Print("Buy");

              }, null);

            #endregion

          }
          else
          if(p.Key == Key.F)
          {
            #region FocusOut of QS TextBox

              Keyboard.Focus(sender as ChartControl);

            #endregion

            #region Enter SellMar****rder

              TriggerCustomEvent(k =>
              {
                Print("Sell");

              }, null);

            #endregion

          }
          p.Handled = true;

        }));
      }

    #endregion 

to get the focus to the ChartControl (it also works with ChartPanel).

Now it really gets the focus on the ChartControl working.

My previous post would have worked as well with simply

      private async void OnPreviewKeyDown(object sender, System.Windows.Input.KeyEventArgs p)
      {
        await ChartControl.Dispatcher.InvokeAsync((Action) (() =>
        {
          if(p.Key == Key.D)
          {
              Keyboard.ClearFocus(); 

But I noticed my other hotkey to focus back the cursor in the quantitySelector TextBox after clearing it
wouldn't work unless replaced inside the quantitySelector.

New script and attached

https://pastecode.io/s/4w5a6bt3

I'll test tomorrow with order submission and be back asa. Many thanks again!