If you grew up in the 70s or 80s, chances are you, or someone in your family had a clock radio with the flip-numbers.The numbers flipped down, changing the time, which I found, for some reason, to be fascinating. I guess it’s because I never saw a clock like that, only the standard analog type.

Then of course, is the faux wood grain and the basic radio and alarm.

So I was watching the movie “Groundhog Day” recently when the waking up scene kept repeating over and over -there is one of those old clock radios in the scene.

So I thought I’d like to get one again – off eBay of course – just for old times sake, feeling a twang of nostalgia.

Then I was playing with my iPhone.

Then a few ideas started brewing in my head…could I make it all come together?

Every night – like tens of millions of Americans – I put the charger cable in my phone and set it on my nightstand, so it’ll be ready for tomorrow.

On a lark, I looked for an app that simulated the old clock radios – and not only did a find a few flip-number types but a very cool rectangular one as well.

Using my skills at SketchUp – a drafting program – I came up with a simple to make, yet very cool clock radio that harkens back to the days of classic clock radios, yet includes the new twist of a smartphone – and doubles as a charger as well!