Simon converted to DNA sequence entry device

Hand-entering DNA sequence into a computer -- be it for ordering oligonucleotides, editing sequence reads, &c. -- is an error-prone, tedious and slow fine-motor process. Moreover, standard keyboards irregularly array the relevant characters (A,C,G,T, ambiguity codes, and maybe I/U). The task cries out for a dedicated solution, along the lines of the handy numeric keypad.

Enter Simon. Yes, that classic 1970s piece of bleeping, flashing, colorful button-pushing, memory-wracking electronic fun. Simon came in both big tabletop and little handheld chassis forms; both sported four big, easily distinguished buttons, with informative light and sound feedback -- and both were made specifically for entering and distinguishing strings with a 4-letter, primary-color-mapped alphabet. What a great format for DNA sequence entry!

With one of its mode switches converted to activate intuitive multi-button ambiguity code entry (like the multiple exposure switch/button on some SLR cameras), Simon's fairly simple circuitry can likely be gutted/adapted to route input through a cable to a computer. To that end, please note that this idea is a-half-bakin' as I write: my partly-built prototype (using a handheld Simon) has been lying on an engineer friend's workbench for a few months. Simon says 'finish me'...