Audio alarm outputting device for outboard engine

Claim 1

An audio alarm apparatus for an engine, comprising: sensor means for detecting an abnormality in the operation of the engine, speech outputting circuit means responsive to detection of said abnormality by said sensor means for outputting an audible synthesized vocal statement at a volume which can be varied, and voice level setting means cooperable with said speech outputting circuit means and responsive to the speed of the engine for controlling the volume of said audible synthesized spoken statement in response solely to variations in the speed of the engine; wherein said voice level setting means sets the volume for a vocal statement to a respective discrete level in each of a plurality of respective engine speed ranges, wherein as the speed of the engine increases from one of said speed ranges to the next higher speed range said level setting means increases the volume for the vocal statement in a steplike manner from one of said discrete levels to another of said discrete levels which is higher, wherein said speech outputting circuit means includes a speaker and includes a speech signal synthesizing circuit which has a signal output coupled to said speaker and which has a control output, and wherein said level setting means is operatively coupled to said signal output and is responsive to variations of a voltage at said control output for varying characteristics of a signal at said signal output.