For a few years now some of the most advanced new automobiles have been equipped with instrument panels that can «speak»
providing instrument readings or safety warnings from special electronic circuits.
In a polite female voice, the device will report on engine oil pressure, parking-brake and headlight operation, seat belt connection, totalling 14 different functions. The driver can even program the Voice Warning System to announce the time or to give a low-fuel warning for any preset gas tank level. The heart of the Voice Warning System is a microprocessor-based electronic speech module made by National Semiconductor Corp. (US). The device requires the connection of 18 wires, but it is simple enough to install in a car.