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Onstar [message #111671] Tue, 11 January 2011 16:58 Go to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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I see Onstar is finally introducing an aftermarket unit for older or non-GM cars. Being a current subsciber I love the service. Although the aftermarket unit won't be integrated into the vehicle's databus it will offer turn by turn nav, hands free calls, bluetooth,stolen vehicle tracking, and crash response. I may pop for that in my GMC. I'm sure there will be a lot of nay-sayers, but after having it for years in various cars, I'm a believer. I'm hoping the handsfree will be the 3 watt unit found in OEM installations since I very rarely find a spot without cell coverage, even when my cell phone has none.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111676 is a reply to message #111671] Tue, 11 January 2011 18:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kingsley Coach is currently offline  Kingsley Coach   United States
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Bob

3 watts can make the difference between connected and _________ not!

Being a Scotsman, I must ask, what does it cost?? <g>

Thanks







On Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 6:58 PM, Bob de Kruyff <NEXT2POOL@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> I see Onstar is finally introducing an aftermarket unit for older or non-GM
> cars. Being a current subsciber I love the service. Although the aftermarket
> unit won't be integrated into the vehicle's databus it will offer turn by
> turn nav, hands free calls, bluetooth,stolen vehicle tracking, and crash
> response. I may pop for that in my GMC. I'm sure there will be a lot of
> nay-sayers, but after having it for years in various cars, I'm a believer.
> I'm hoping the handsfree will be the 3 watt unit found in OEM installations
> since I very rarely find a spot without cell coverage, even when my cell
> phone has none.
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



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Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
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Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111682 is a reply to message #111676] Tue, 11 January 2011 18:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Mumert   United States
Messages: 272
Registered: February 2004
Location: Olds, AB, Canada
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Senior Member
Hi

Check here for more info

http://autos.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Autos/20110105/autos-gm_onstar-expanding-110105/
?s_name=Autos
http://bit.ly/f7TVTM

Dave

> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onstar
>
> Bob
>
> 3 watts can make the difference between connected and _________
> not!
>
> Being a Scotsman, I must ask, what does it cost?? <g>
>
> Thanks

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Re: Onstar [message #111684 is a reply to message #111671] Tue, 11 January 2011 18:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
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Registered: January 2004
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3W Wow, no wonder. Just like the old school car phones...

-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: Onstar [message #111694 is a reply to message #111684] Tue, 11 January 2011 20:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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Chr$ wrote on Tue, 11 January 2011 17:44

3W Wow, no wonder. Just like the old school car phones...

I believe the unit will be about $295 which is really not the issue--it's the monthly service charge. However, if you use your vehicle quite a bit, it's worth it. The turn by turn nav is nice in that you can go to google maps or mapquest and click the download button to Onstar, and bingo , it's in your unit. More info on Onstar.com. I've been pushing this for years with the previous president but for various reasons it wasn't feasible till recently.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111698 is a reply to message #111682] Tue, 11 January 2011 20:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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I can tell you that if you lock yourself out, it takes only minutes to
have the car unlocked.
If we used the AAA people it would have been a 30-45min. wait.

On Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 4:38 PM, Dave Mumert <dave@mumert.com> wrote:
> Hi
>
> Check here for more info
>
> http://autos.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Autos/20110105/autos-gm_onstar-expanding-110105/
> ?s_name=Autos
> http://bit.ly/f7TVTM
>
> Dave
>
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onstar
>>
>> Bob
>>
>> 3 watts can make the difference between connected and     _________
>> not!
>>
>> Being a Scotsman, I must ask, what does it cost?? <g>
>>
>> Thanks
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



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Jim Kanomata
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Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111699 is a reply to message #111698] Tue, 11 January 2011 20:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
""I can tell you that if you lock yourself out, it takes only minutes to
have the car unlocked.
If we used the AAA people it would have been a 30-45min. wait.

""

It's a great feature of Onstar, however, the aftermarket unit can't do that since it won't be integrated into the canbus. Also, it can't diagnose engine and vehicle system problems and reports like the OEM, but I still like the idea.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111725 is a reply to message #111676] Wed, 12 January 2011 05:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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Kingsley Coach wrote on Tue, 11 January 2011 19:12

Bob

3 watts can make the difference between connected and _________ not!

Being a Scotsman, I must ask, what does it cost?? <g>

Thanks

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS


Mike,

The cost being talked about around town is 295$us for the unit plus installation. That is expected to be between 100~300$us. The subscription fee is currently 28.90$us/mo for a recent vehicle that has a lot of function, I don't know if less function is less expensive.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Onstar [message #111733 is a reply to message #111671] Wed, 12 January 2011 07:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Canada
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Senior Member
3 watts used to be the MAX mobile power (handset power is always controlled by the system) for in-car ANALOG phones BUT all the analog systems have switched to digital now.

Digital systems (especially CDMA) control the power of the handset much more closely.

The Motorola M800 (fixed in-car and bag phone models Analog and CDMA digital) was the last in-car and bag phone model available to us, was only 0.6watts in Analog mode. This confirms my suspicion that it was built on the electronics of a handheld phone. As a matter of fact the entire transceiver is in the handset. The box the handset plugs into houses only power and audio circuits.

The reason you see much better reception from an in-car or On-Star phone is the proper external gain antenna. The antenna on a handheld phone is a real compromise.

Even if you stick a 3 watt amplifier on your phone, most of the time it still will only be transmitting a few hundred milliwatts max.




Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
Re: Onstar [message #111737 is a reply to message #111733] Wed, 12 January 2011 08:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
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The add-on OnStar costs appear to be; Basic Mirror unit = $200, required installation (at Best Buy((only "installer")) = $80, then the monthly service fee of $19.
Nothing in these numbers make me eager to run out and buy one, especially in a limited use vehicle. And, the other features that are in the built-in one are worth the monthly fee, but the add-on should be at a very reduced cost, since you are not getting the full benefit of the service, sort of an "OnStar Lite."
My 2 cents.

Tom Phipps


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111743 is a reply to message #111737] Wed, 12 January 2011 10:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steven Ferguson is currently offline  Steven Ferguson   United States
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I kind of feel the same way. How did we ever get along without it? Just
fine and I still do. Just one more thing that has created it's own
necessity.

On Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 7:00 AM, Thomas Phipps <tph1pp5@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> The add-on OnStar costs appear to be; Basic Mirror unit = $200, required
> installation (at Best Buy((only "installer")) = $80, then the monthly
> service fee of $19.
> Nothing in these numbers make me eager to run out and buy one, especially
> in a limited use vehicle. And, the other features that are in the built-in
> one are worth the monthly fee, but the add-on should be at a very reduced
> cost, since you are not getting the full benefit of the service, sort of an
> "OnStar Lite."
> My 2 cents.
>
> Tom Phipps
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



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Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111807 is a reply to message #111725] Wed, 12 January 2011 20:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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Senior Member
Don't forget the GM discount. I'm paying around 15 or so for full function

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111808 is a reply to message #111743] Wed, 12 January 2011 20:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Normally I would feel the same way but after having it for the last 10 years in various cars and versions, I'm addicted I guess. Once I understand the interface issues, I may be tempted to try to move it between my GMC and non GM cars if feasible.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111814 is a reply to message #111807] Wed, 12 January 2011 20:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Bob,

If a person has a GPS and wants to buy updated maps yearly whatever the cost
for the updates should be deducted from the yearly cost of Onstar should it
not?

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bob de Kruyff
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 1:36 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onstar

Don't forget the GM discount. I'm paying around 15 or so for full function
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Onstar [message #111817 is a reply to message #111814] Wed, 12 January 2011 20:58 Go to previous message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 12 January 2011 19:45

Bob,

If a person has a GPS and wants to buy updated maps yearly whatever the cost
for the updates should be deducted from the yearly cost of Onstar should it
not?

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bob de Kruyff
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 1:36 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onstar

Don't forget the GM discount. I'm paying around 15 or so for full function
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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A basic GPS unit will make more sense if that's all you want--which will be more appropriate for most folks, but where I camp I almost never have cell service-which is an issue. I also currently use google maps and download it to my car and that alone is worth a fair amount of money. I copied a note from Onstar regarding thier current digital service (which has been the norm since 2006):

OnStar Technology
OnStar consists of four different types of technology: cellular, voice recognition, GPS
and vehicle telemetry. All of the services that OnStar provides are a result of one or more of
these technologies working together.
• OnStar's cellular service has a better range than most cell phones, with a full three watts
instead of a regular cell phone's 0.6 watts. With some OnStar plans, you can also use the
cellular service just as you would a regular cell phone plan.
• For calls to the advisor, OnStar uses voice recognition software similar to that already
used in some hand-held cell phones. However, one of OnStar's unique features is the
ability to "surf the Web" using the Virtual Advisor automated system.
• One of OnStar's unique features is the ability to "surf the Web" using the Virtual
Advisor automated system.
Directions and Connections
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation is the simplest and smartest navigation system and part
of OnStar's award-winning Directions & Connections Plan. Through voice-guided directions, it
helps you find an address, business or practically any destination using the database of over 10
million points-of-interest. Stopping to ask for directions, fumbling with maps or printing out web
directions are a thing of the past.
3
On automobiles equipped with OnStar technology it offers a real-time driving navigation
system, called Turn by Turn. By depressing the Directional button, the operator will guide your
vehicle, Turn by Turn, to your destination. By the year 2010, all GM models will be equipped
with OnStar Turn by Turn. Frankly, i don't care whether people like it or not, but for me and my type of usage and experience, I'm interested.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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