Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Take a look at one of the most unusual pieces of retro technology I've come across: the Montgomery Ward Airline GEN-1983B flip clock radio alarm and its matching GEN-155A "Remote Control Receiver."
At first glance, it looks like a typical 1970s flip clock radio, but this system included a unique remote-control feature that sent signals through your home's electrical wiring rather than through the air. The result was a surprisingly advanced home automation concept decades before smart homes became a reality.
In this video, I demonstrate how the system works, explain the relationship between the clock and receiver, show the alarm and remote functions in action, and discuss why this rare setup only appeared briefly in Montgomery Ward's 1973 catalog. I also cover some of the electrical and safety considerations that come with using vintage equipment like this today.
If you're a fan of flip clocks, vintage electronics, retro technology, or unusual consumer products from the 1970s, this is a fascinating piece of history you won't want to miss.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Montgomery Ward Airline system
00:23 Model information and overview
00:52 The matching GEN-155A receiver
01:16 Catalog history and rarity
01:37 Cleaning and restoration work
02:13 Alarm function demonstration
02:40 How the remote-control system works
03:25 Why the signal must be on the same electrical circuit
03:40 Demonstration setup and background
04:27 Remote control demonstration
05:00 Alarm-controlled appliance demonstration
05:22 Radio and remote activation together
05:48 Vintage electrical safety considerations
06:13 Final thoughts on this rare retro-tech system
This fascinating piece of retro-tech would be for the flip clock collector who wants something very unique!
The flip clock radio was cleaned and restored by Flipclockfans with a new neon glow bulb installed. The white Remote Control Receiver unit appears pristine, the cord was never even unwound
This clock radio and controller on ebay
Montgomery Ward Airline Flip Clock Radio Alarm Remote & Remote Control Receiver
ebay.com/itm/267691496878
YouTube Video (detailing restoration):
Montgomery Ward Airline Remote Control Flip Clock Radio
youtu.be/kIHJzgsvLSM
CREDITS
Our Executive Producer
Robert Jagers - Well known and respected restorer of flip clocks. Find Robert at:
flipoclock.com
Thanks to all our supporters!
Robert Jagers
Johan de Jong
JW Hopkins
John from NH
Cipri Hosu
Reysic
Kristina Schlah
Gnemelf
Shelli Yoder
Eerchant
Ron Kellis
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC0Dn3A3p02pyT0owaYVwZRg/join
Take a look at one of the most unusual pieces of retro technology I've come across: the Montgomery Ward Airline GEN-1983B flip clock radio alarm and its matching GEN-155A "Remote Control Receiver."
At first glance, it looks like a typical 1970s flip clock radio, but this system included a unique remote-control feature that sent signals through your home's electrical wiring rather than through the air. The result was a surprisingly advanced home automation concept decades before smart homes became a reality.
In this video, I demonstrate how the system works, explain the relationship between the clock and receiver, show the alarm and remote functions in action, and discuss why this rare setup only appeared briefly in Montgomery Ward's 1973 catalog. I also cover some of the electrical and safety considerations that come with using vintage equipment like this today.
If you're a fan of flip clocks, vintage electronics, retro technology, or unusual consumer products from the 1970s, this is a fascinating piece of history you won't want to miss.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Montgomery Ward Airline system
00:23 Model information and overview
00:52 The matching GEN-155A receiver
01:16 Catalog history and rarity
01:37 Cleaning and restoration work
02:13 Alarm function demonstration
02:40 How the remote-control system works
03:25 Why the signal must be on the same electrical circuit
03:40 Demonstration setup and background
04:27 Remote control demonstration
05:00 Alarm-controlled appliance demonstration
05:22 Radio and remote activation together
05:48 Vintage electrical safety considerations
06:13 Final thoughts on this rare retro-tech system
This fascinating piece of retro-tech would be for the flip clock collector who wants something very unique!
The flip clock radio was cleaned and restored by Flipclockfans with a new neon glow bulb installed. The white Remote Control Receiver unit appears pristine, the cord was never even unwound
This clock radio and controller on ebay
Montgomery Ward Airline Flip Clock Radio Alarm Remote & Remote Control Receiver
ebay.com/itm/267691496878
YouTube Video (detailing restoration):
Montgomery Ward Airline Remote Control Flip Clock Radio
youtu.be/kIHJzgsvLSM
CREDITS
Our Executive Producer
Robert Jagers - Well known and respected restorer of flip clocks. Find Robert at:
flipoclock.com
Thanks to all our supporters!
Robert Jagers
Johan de Jong
JW Hopkins
John from NH
Cipri Hosu
Reysic
Kristina Schlah
Gnemelf
Shelli Yoder
Eerchant
Ron Kellis
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC0Dn3A3p02pyT0owaYVwZRg/join
