A crypto pump scanner is a real-time monitoring tool that highlights unusual price and volume activity on short candle intervals. The goal is not to predict the future. The goal is to surface abnormal candles quickly so a trader can open a chart, validate context, and decide. In fast markets, seconds matter. A good scanner lowers discovery time and increases the chance that you will see the move while it is still actionable.
How a pump scanner works
Most scanners read live market data for a basket of symbols, then apply a small set of rules that describe abnormal conditions. Typical rules include percent change in the current candle relative to its open, wick length relative to body, and volume compared to a rolling baseline. When a rule exceeds a threshold the scanner emits an event. Elxes follows this principle with a clean interface and an emphasis on speed.
Core signals you will see
- Delta percent - the absolute percent change between open and current price inside the candle. Example: 2.7 percent up inside a 1 minute candle.
- Volume anomaly - the current quote volume versus a short rolling average. Example: 3.4 times the 30 minute baseline.
- Wick anomaly - upper or lower wick length compared to body size. Large wick can signal failed moves or liquidity hunts.
Intervals and tradeoffs
Shorter intervals are faster and noisier. Longer intervals are slower and cleaner. A common workflow is to watch 1 minute for early hints, then confirm on 3 minute and 5 minute. Elxes scans those three by default. If you need a refresher on interval selection read our guide 1m vs 3m vs 5m.
Why traders use pump scanners
Markets often move in bursts. News, liquidations, funding pockets, and thin books can create a quick gap. If you only watch a few pairs you can miss the burst. A scanner tracks a much larger universe and pushes the outliers to the top. That does not replace analysis. It gives you a shortlist. You still open the chart, check context, and size the risk.
Key thresholds and practical defaults
There is no single correct threshold. You pick numbers that fit your market and your attention span. Below are starting points that work well for many users. Tighter numbers fire more often. Wider numbers focus only on bigger moves.
| Signal | 1m | 3m | 5m | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta percent | 2.0 to 3.0 | 2.5 to 3.5 | 3.0 to 4.0 | Use absolute value. Separate tags for UP and DOWN can help. |
| Volume anomaly | 2.0x to 3.0x | 2.0x to 3.0x | 2.0x to 3.0x | Baseline often uses a rolling 30 minute window. |
| Wick anomaly | Wick to body ratio 1.5+ | Wick to body ratio 1.5+ | Wick to body ratio 1.5+ | Large wick can be exhaustion or stop sweep. Always check context. |
Tags and what they mean
Most pump scanners label events with simple tags so you can see the reason at a glance.
- UP price moved up beyond the delta threshold inside the active candle.
- DOWN price moved down beyond the delta threshold inside the active candle.
- VOL volume exceeded its anomaly threshold even if price change is modest.
How Elxes implements these ideas
Elxes scans Binance Futures USDT pairs on 1 minute, 3 minute, and 5 minute intervals. For each symbol and interval it tracks open, last price, and rolling quote volume. When a threshold is crossed it shows a row with tags and a compact context readout. Clicking the row opens the symbol on the exchange. Optional audible cues can play when the absolute delta is large enough. For a visual overview visit How It Works and Features.
Score overview
Beyond simple tags you might want a composite that ranks events. Elxes provides a lightweight score that blends delta magnitude, volume anomaly, and recency. The goal is ordering rather than prediction. A very high score simply means the event looks unusual compared to recent history. Read more in How Elxes Scores Market Activity.
Common false positives and how to reduce them
- Low liquidity spikes - thin books can print large moves that revert fast. Use a minimum notional filter if possible.
- News wicks - fast reaction to headlines can overshoot. Confirm with a higher interval and recent structure.
- Session opens - volume baseline can be unstable near session changes. Adjust the baseline window if you see noise clusters.
- Chop periods - many mid sized bars with similar size. Raise thresholds during chop or mute intervals temporarily.
Workflow you can start using today
- Watch 1 minute and 3 minute grids. Keep 5 minute nearby for confirmation.
- When a row fires with UP or DOWN, open the chart in a new tab. Mark the candle and the prior high or low.
- Check volume context. If volume anomaly is strong and structure supports continuation, plan the entry. If wick is large against structure, plan the fade or stay flat.
- Size risk. Define invalidation before you click. Do not chase if spread widens.
- Log the outcome. Tag the event type so you can tune thresholds later.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pump scanner the same as a signal provider
No. A scanner is a discovery tool. It tells you where something unusual is happening. You still run your plan.
Which interval is best
Use 1 minute to see the first burst. Use 3 minute to filter noise. Use 5 minute to confirm structure. Many traders keep all three.
Do I need volume anomalies or price delta is enough
Price delta without volume can be fragile. Volume anomalies confirm participation. Combining both improves quality.
Can I automate entries from scanner events
You can, but it turns into a strategy project. You must define entry rules, exits, risk, and filters. A manual first phase is recommended.
Next steps
If you want a deeper dive read How to Detect Abnormal Candles in Real Time. For a comparison of free tools see Top Free Crypto Market Monitoring Tools in 2025. If you have questions or feature requests contact us through the Contact page or check the FAQ.