Deviation Channels

Indicator Name: Deviation Channels (Dev Chan)

Why Use This Indicator?
Visualize Volatility Ranges:
The indicator plots Keltner Channels at four levels above and below an average line, letting you easily see how far price has deviated from a typical range. Each “dev” line highlights potential support or resistance during pullbacks or surges.

Color-Coded Clarity:
Each band shifts color intensity depending on whether the current price is trading above or below it, letting you spot breakouts and rejections at a glance. Meanwhile, the Fast SMA (default 10) also changes color – green if price is above, red if below – adding a quick momentum read.

Adjustable Source & Length:
Choose your input source (open, close, ohlc4, or hlc3) and set your Keltner length to suit different asset classes or timeframes. Whether you want a tighter, more reactive channel or a smoother, longer-term reading, the script adapts with minimal effort.

A Simple Trading Approach
Identify Trend with Fast SMA:

If the Fast SMA (default length 10) is green (price above it), treat that as a bullish environment. If it’s red (price below), favor bearish or neutral stances.
Wait for Price to Reach Lower/Upper Deviations:

In a bullish setup (Fast SMA green), watch for price to dip into one of the lower channels (e.g., -1 Dev or -2 Dev). Such pullbacks can become potential “buy the dip” zones if price stabilizes and resumes upward momentum.
Conversely, if the Fast SMA is red, watch for price to test the upper channels (1 Dev or 2 Dev). That might be a short opportunity or a place to close out any remaining longs before a deeper correction.
Manage Risk with Channel Levels:

Place stop-losses just beyond the next “dev” band to protect against volatility. For example, if you enter on a bounce at -1 Dev, consider placing a stop near -2 Dev or -3 Dev, depending on your risk tolerance.
Take Profits Gradually:

In an uptrend, you might scale out of positions as price moves toward higher lines (e.g., 1 Dev or 2 Dev). Conversely, if price fails to hold above the Fast SMA or repeatedly closes below a key band, it might be time to exit.
Disclaimer: No single indicator is foolproof. Always combine with sound risk management, observe multiple timeframes, and consider fundamental factors before making trading decisions. Experiment with the Keltner length and Fast SMA fastLength to find the sweet spot for your market and time horizon.