[sdiy] precise square waves

[Rafael Cohen]

Hi all,
I have an idea for a master clock synth module that would be basically a
very precise square wave including an LCD screen with a readout in Hz.  For
easy generation of clock divisions to interface with my modular.  So far I
have found this kit:

http://www.invent-electronics.com/freq_Counter.htm#

For the LCD etc... but now it is a matter of generating the square wave with
precise control.

I have found these cheap rotary encoders on Mouser,

http://www.mouser.com/?handler=data.listcategory&Ne=100&terms=rotary+encoder&Ntt=*rotary*%2b*encoder*&crc=false&Ns=SField&N=3180

*sorry for the wrap here's a PDF too*

http://www.mouser.com/catalog/specsheets/TW-700029.pdf

but I do not know how to connect them to PICs or whatever.  My understanding
is that they put out a click of some kind with each "detent" they hit during
rotation and they rotate freely 360 degrees.  Do you know how these could be
hooked up to a PIC to produce a good square wave with precise resolution?
Somehow the PIC registers the click and goes up .01Hz or whatever.  Maybe
one for coarse and one for fine, or maybe even three...?  I don't know how
the PIC knows the difference between turning clockwise and counter-CW.

I have a friend who is helping me out somewhat with the digital/programming
side of it, as my experience is mostly analog.

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers,

Rafael
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