Well I tried that also, but that doesn't work either. I believe I mentioned earlier that I in my mind I was thinking since I moved the rows and columns over by one bit why don't I just create another variable such as:

row1 = row >> 1

then I could still use the same formula:

key = (row * 3) + (NCD (col ^ $f)) ' (row * 3) because I have three rows and when I return the priority bit
'of the columns after I flip the state of the bits ^$f that will tell me which
' column is actually the one being used at that moment of time as an output.

But I tried it and still have not gained any ground.

hmmm, back to the drawing board.

Thanks again...