While were on the task of reducing and optimizing Toms code, i feel a strong urge to reduce .......
SSD4= (ssmax[18]>>4)
SSD3= (ssmax[18] & $f)
SSD2= (ssmax[17]>>4)
SSD1= (ssmax[17] & $f)

Then convert to Decimal:
Dec_speed=(ssd4*4096)+(ssd3*256)+(ssd2*16)+ssd1 ' convert to dec
..... into .....
Code:
Dec_speed.HighByte = ssmax[18]
Dec_speed.LowByte = ssmax[17]
...... thus saving time, codespace and ram ... you name it.

How about it Darrel, want a shot at it ;-)