[Kevin Sevcik]

1. Yes, there are functions in the framework for constructing a data packet to send back to the dashboard. I don't have the tools on this computer to look up the exact functions... But then you haven't mentioned your programming environment. You can either fit your encoder feedback into the current scheme so it shows up in the standard dashboard, or code up your own custom dashboard to display it.
2. No, Spikes are simple relays, and thus only function full forward or full reverse. There's no way to half turn on a spike without failing it in a matter of minutes.