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Proton 320 "The Cadillac of 1980s Clock Radios" - $20 (Brooklyn Heights)
Henry Street near Clark Street
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I have for sale a Proton 320 clock radio (Serial Number P32103293). It was once considered, and some will still consider it, "The Cadillac of Clock Radios." Introduced in the 1980s (which would mean it's a bona fide "vintage item"), it had a robust sound and a robust built. Here is Chicago Tribune's glowing review of the Proton 320 from July 19, 1985: FULL SOUND OF PROTON 320 TAKES THE PAIN OUT OF REVEILLE (https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/19/full-sound-of-proton-320-takes-the-pain-out-of-reveille-2/).
At "The Ferris File," a website devoted to the movie, FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (I've never seen the movie), the Proton 320 is described as "the “Cadillac of clock radios in 1983.” (https://www.ferrisfile.com/2024/08/proton-320-amfm-dual-alarm-clock-radio.html) Importantly, is a photo that shows the Proton 320 with an unlit tuner bar. (More about that later.)
Anyhow, I bought this Proton new, when it first came out in the 1980s. It served me well for several years, until I moved and I packed it away. It's been packed away for years, until the other day, when I unpacked it. To my pleasant surprise, it is immaculate, almost like new. I still have the original "Owner's Manual," and "Authorized Service Centers" booklet. I also have the original box. (See photos.)
Plugging it in, the clock numbers light up, as did the station pointer, but the tuner dial didn't light up. I don't remember it ever lighting up. This may be because some models didn't have this feature, or my 320 was defective from the start. Still, the 320's photo from "The Ferris File" showed the 320 with an unlit tuner bar.
As for the radio, the 320 can now receive AM stations, but they're staticky. It doesn't receive any FM stations, however. Can this be fixed? If so, where? The "Authorized Service Centers" booklet showed, "as of March 85," several centers near New York City. A Google produced no hits for any of them, except, incredibly, for "Technetron Electronics": (https://technetronelectronics.com/about/).
Once located at 43 E 29 Street, in Manhattan, it's now located at 29 E 31 Street. Their phone number can be found in the contact info. (Craigslist won't post phone number because they're concerned with possible phishing attempts.) I spoke with Leo, who said they can repair the Proton 320. Indeed, when I asked Leo whether he was there in 1985, he said he was. (Technetron's website even described the business as "Experience: Over 50 years of hands-on experience from highly trained, factory-certified electronics repair technicians.)
I am selling this Proton 320, "as is." You can use it as an "alarm clock," since its clock and alarms (two settings) do work. And its handsome modern, sleek black design will look nice on your night stand or desk. But the radio needs repair. How much will it cost? Just ask Leo. In any case, you can have this Proton 320, which is in immaculate condition, for the princely sum of $20.00, O.B.O.
We will meet in front of Careland Pharmacy, which is at 84 Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights. I will accept cash only.
So, here's your chance to own this "Cadillac of Clock Radios," a vintage gem from the 1980s.
Thank you for reading my post. Hope to see you soon.