DIRECTIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Bud McMillan doesn't have to stop and ask for directions when he's driving his Honda Odyssey minivan.

His computerized navigational system, which makes use of global positioning satellite technology, will map out a route on a video monitor and provide voice directions. It will alert the driver when to turn onto another road.

If McMillan misses a turn, he knows the computer will recalculate his route and show him an alternate way to his destination.

"You don't have to watch the road signs," said McMillan, a salesman for the Wieser Honda dealership in Cape Girardeau. "I just look at this as the future."

McMillan said his wife originally didn't want the navigational system. But now she wouldn't do without it, he said.

Punch in an address and the computer will search a DVD-ROM computer disc road map of the United States and draw up the route in a matter of seconds.

McMillan said the technology adds $2,000 to the price of the Honda van.

Cadillac has a navigational system too.

While such systems aren't standard on all vehicles, the navigational technology is increasingly finding its way into America's dashboards.

But you don't have to depend on Detroit automakers for the new technology. Stereo One in Cape Girardeau sells and installs an Alpine navigational system like the one used by Honda.

Stereo One salesman Jeff Martin is sold on the technology. "I think it is really cool," he said while demonstrating the system on a trip through Cape Girardeau.

Martin said the computer disc has detailed maps of every major city in the United States. The map are less detailed for smaller cities like Cape Girardeau.

The technology makes use of satellites to pinpoint the position of the moving car in helping to guide it to the proper destination. The computer receives input from the satellites, as well as from an electronic gyroscope and the speed sensor in the vehicle.

It can organize a list of errands into the shortest route, locate the nearest ATM, gas station, bank or hotel. It can calculate the number of miles to a destination and the estimated time of arrival.

With a touch of the keys displayed on the video monitor, Martin calls up a list of St. Louis hotels and their telephone numbers.

The computer will calculate a lengthy trip in seconds. It can provide the quickest route or one that has the fewest freeways to the destination.

In a matter of seconds, the computer punched up a route from Cape Girardeau to California's Disneyland, a distance of 1,883 miles.

Even without an address, a motorist can find a destination if he or she has a general idea where it is on the map, Martin said.

An additional "Mayday" service allows the motorist, with the push of a button, to contact a 24-hour emergency response center for roadside assistance, medical help or law enforcement.

The system also features a hidden panic button that places a silent call for help.

If the vehicle is stolen, satellites can locate it.

The technology has been around for three years. But Martin said many people aren't aware that such a device exists.

"We have done a few a year," he said.

Price is a factor. The price can range from about $2,500 to more than $3,000 for the basic equipment.

But Martin believes the cost will come down as the technology catches on with the automakers and consumers.