How can I find more detailed programming references?

[jeff_hoagland]

I am new to DirectSoft and Automation Direct but have so far been pretty impressed.  The learning curve to figure out how the PLC works wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I have questions that the help files cannot answer.  Are there manuals that deliver more detail on things such as the SP data type, and what that stuff is?  What about Processor performance details, how can I found out more about how the processor does its job? 

can anyone help me out here?

[MikeS]

Jeff,

You won't find much with your questions in DirectSOFT, your questions are better answered in the specific manaul for the CPU that you're targeting. All of the CPU manuals can be downloaded free from the AutomationDirect.com website.

Let me point you in the right direction concerning SPs, they are pre-defined, read-only  contacts in the CPUs that are used for reporting status, errors and such. There are also some real handy ones for program control like SP0 (First Scan), SP1, (Always ON), etc..

The CPU manual details all of these for you.