Silverado OnStar

k0hbk0hb Member Posts: 89
edited March 2014 in Chevrolet
Got a pleasant surprise with I picked up my 2001
LT extended cab Silverado Saturday. It included
(as standard) the OnStar system and 1 free year of
basic service.

This was not standard when I ordered the truck
back in August, so I got it "free".

BTW, the truck is awesome! Rides near as good as
my wifes 2001 Bonnevile SSEi.!
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Comments

  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    the service? Sure wished they'd go to a visual system instead of connecting through a cellular connection. Doesn't help much if there is no cellular service in the area you are lost.
  • k0hbk0hb Member Posts: 89
    is $200 per year. My guess is this will go down rapidly as the system is now being installed as standard equipment in a *TON* of new vehicles. My wifes new 2001 Bonneville also has it standard.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ...there is basic.....then a whole lotta "other" plans that do other things you can subscribe to....most you "just can't live without"

    LOL

    ...I never touched it the time I had the Burb with it....I know where I am going...

    - Tim
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    FREE??? ever hear of TINSTAAFL???

    "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH"

    I hardly doubt onstar was free it was added in the msrp and the price you paid somewhere

    Ryan
  • k0hbk0hb Member Posts: 89
    When I ordered the truck in Aug, the OnStar was not part of the LT package. In the meantime it was added as a standard included item, and the MSRP was raised, but I was already locked in at the lower pre-OnStar MSRP so I did get it free.

    Doncha just hate it when someone spoils your rant?

    Hans
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Nah someone paid for it trust me. Just think now the government knows where u are every second of every day.

    Ryan
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    there is sooo much profit in these trucks, does it really matter. Also all it is, is a fancy cell phone connected to some remote switches or ECU. And it is an investment on GM's part to see if you bite the bait after your free year...
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    Obyone, I agree that they should use a visual system. Last thing I want is to call and have someone yap at me with directions. I do like the automatic alert if the airbags go off, though. I wonder how much damage the vehicle can sustain before the OnStar system stops working. I guess it can also act like LoJack, anyone know for sure?

    My brother has a Lexus with a visual navigation system based on GPS that, in conjunction with a cell phone, blows OnStar away. Only pro of the OnStar is the automatic alert if the airbags deploy and theft recovery (if it does). The Lexus system is amazing in its accuracy and detail, shows which side of road a highway on-ramp will be (which lane to be in), exact location based on address. Great video screen and easy to operate. Really a neat system. I wish it was an option instead of OnStar.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    absentminded. If you leave your keys in the vehicle, you can call onstar and after giving them a secret number, they can remotely unlock the doors. Of course your vehicle has to be in cellular range. Won't help you if your in a basement parking lot. Maybe I'll activate mine sometime next year. What's really a pain is that the antennae has to be removed everytime I go through a car wash or have it automatically removed by the car wash.
  • k0hbk0hb Member Posts: 89
    ....the details about the free OnStar are at http://www.amishrakefight.org/gfy
  • rcoosrcoos Member Posts: 167
    I'm really glad NOT to have onstar in my LT pickup.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    great link...thanks for the info...LOL!! I know I can put that to good use....hehehehe.
  • dkb1dkb1 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know how to adapt a cell phone or Key pad to the OnStar system for at least the antenna? How about the GPS, can it be tapped into with a laptop for use with one of the Travel programs?

    Dave
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Didn't know Onstar had builtin GPS. Always thought that the operator you're talking to had the GPS....and could track your location. I thought that Onstar was a glorified cell phone service...
  • k0hbk0hb Member Posts: 89
    ....which is how they can track down your stolen vehicle, or tell you where to turn for the nearest gas station, or dispatch the ambulance when your airbag inflates, etc.......

    OK, Batman?
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    who has control of the GPS? Certainly not the driver. More like whoever is tracking you. As far as you are concerned, you have to rely on the operator to bail you out. Bad cellular connection, sorry bud you are still lost.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    that there is a transmitter in the vehicle that can be picked up by the base station. The location of the signal can be pinpointed, using either GPS or triangulation from ground stations and thus the location of your vehicle can be identified.

    A glorified version of what most armored car companies have been doing for years.
  • n75v111n75v111 Member Posts: 243
    Background - I have Silverado 2500HD LT w/8100 on order that will come with Onstar as standard equipment.
    I currently use Delorme.com AAA Map & Go 6.0 and Street Atlas USA 8.0 with my AVIATION handheld
    llMorrow Appolo Precedis GPS unit (which tracks 8 satelites) to drive a laptop computer when driving
    X-country. This requires NEMA 183 2.0 output from the Prededis GPS unit to serial port on the
    laptop.
    (---NOTE -- The Delorme GPS/Moving Map is an excelent low cost GPS system that gives street detail down to your personal address level. However if you have your own hand held GPS unit, you do not have to buy the Delorme GPS unit to use their Moving Maps programs --- It does require a laptop computer to display the moving map however.---)

    I submitted the following questions to OnStar-
    followed by thier response.

    QUESTIONS ARE--
    1. How many satelites is Onstar capable of tracking at one time?
    2. Does Onstar have now or will it have in the future the standard NEMA 183 2.0 output capability to provide GPS positioning allowing use of Delorme's MOVING MAP system???
    3. Can the current Onstar system be configured to provide the NEMA 183 2.0 output port??
    Response Reply also to Error! Bookmark not defined.

    October 23
    OnStar E-mail Response Center
    Thank you for taking the time to e-mail OnStar.

    In response to your first question, Onstar uses three satellites to pinpoint the location of a
    vehicle that has an Onstar system installed.
    (--NOTE-THIS IS BARE MINIMUM TO PINPOINT LOCATION-MOST GPS HAND HELD UNITS WILL TRACK FROM 6 TO 12 SATELITES TO ASSURE LOCATION ACCURACY----)

    In response to your other two questions; Onstar does not offer the "standard NEMA...allowing use of DMPS", nor can it be "configured to provide the NEMA 183 2.0 output port".

    OnStar is constantly evaluating new service of benefit to subscribers. While the feature you asked about is not currently available, it may be in the future. Please consult the OnStar Web Site to determine the product features at that time.

    Thank you for contacting OnStar. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further
    assistance.

    Sincerely,

    Ernest
    OnStar Program Headquarters
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    my Denali will be used as backup to my roadmaps and memory. Can't figure what else to do with the damn thing....figure on GM to pass off ONSTAR as more than a glorified cell phone...
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    3 satellites? that is pretty pathetic. I could see having serious problems in canyons.

    It reminds me of idiot lights and quages without real numbers. Don't give the user credit for intelligence or a desire to have real information. The examples of GOOD systems offered by Lexus and other manufacturers absolutely blow On Star away. Shows you a great map with a wide range of zoom levels. Talks to you if you want. Gives you a good set of directions, but with the map, you might see an alternate route that looks better or more interesting. You have no chance of that with On Star.

    Like I've said before, the best thing about On Star is that it automatically signals if airbags are deployed. Anyone know if you have to be subscribed for that to work? If GM really cared about their customers, that would not require paying subscription.

    n75v111,
    What kind of laptop do you have (hardware & software)? Is that delorme program stable? I have used several delorme programs that were not stable.
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    Remember that pilot OGRADY who got shot down over bosnia? I was watching TLC about that and guess how many satelites it took to find his exact (ON THE DOT) position?

    3

    Ryan
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    The military frequencies are a little bit different than the civilian. The accuracy of the military system is about 1 meter, or better. Good enough to drop a mortar in your back pocket. The civilian is good to about 10 meters, and may only need 3 satellites for this accuracy, but sometimes needs 4.

    I have Delorme Topo USA 2.0, and it has the real time navigation feature on the screen of your laptop if you want that. I haven't used it for that purpose, because I don't want the distraction or hassle.

    But even a Garmin handheld, like eMap, is great for automotive navigation. I always have my laptop with me. In a pinch, I have started the DeLorme software, uploaded a street address as a waypoint into my eTrex Summit. And while it doesn't show street level detail, it points the way!
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ever happened to "good old fashioned knowing where you are going"

    - ??

    - Tim
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    those lost souls....LOL!!
  • n75v111n75v111 Member Posts: 243
    DOD removed the accuracy degragation to allow Aviation to start switching Precision Approaches from ILS to GPS/WAAS - Really didn't mater if a Cruise missed by one meter or ten -- Guess you'd really have to be their to know for shure though.

    Greg - Just using 150hz Gateway from work currently but the above mentioned Delorme moving maps really work smoothly. Told last week they have version that keeps top of may to front of vehicle.
    Absolutly right about only 3 Sats. being about worthless in some terrain. GM Marketing (-You know-- the same people that decided to release a 3 dr ext.cab when everone else already had 4 dr)
    seems to think OnStar will be an after market cash generator but I don't plan on subscribing after first free yr. As the OnStar guy insinuated-they may be working on next generation to actually provide something usefull but will still be worthless on the '01 models--I'll just keep using my hand held for accurate positioning.

    Tim - Hear ya, but boy is it nice to see those Exits on the one mile scale show up while in six lanes of trafic befor you get their. And really nice for pre-trip route planing. And to go direct to an address and knowing when to turn here or their. But oh well--thats progress they say!!!

    75v
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    My work involves inspecting properties all over eastern oregon. Often it is hard to find where a property begins or ends, and GPS and topo maps are the only way. We use Terrain Navigator at work, and are probably going to start using ForestView or some other GIS system in the near future. It would be nice if OnStar had some utility, but not going to happen. You know how it is, dumb it down the lowest common denominator.

    75v,
    When did the accuracy degradation get removed?
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Although GPS was developed as a military navigation system, its civilian and commercial uses were recognized. The satellites therefore transmit two codes, a military-only encrypted code (PPS) and a civilian-access, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) code. All commercial and consumer GPS receivers are SPS receivers.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    I put the GPS receiver on the dashboard, and left it on while I drove to the ranch. The receiver recorded these movements into a track log. I saved the track log, then downloaded it to the mapping software. The track gets displayed on the map.

    http://members.aol.com/sturbridg1/graphic1.jpg
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    Quad,
    That plot looks nice. I would like to do a similar plot, but on standard topo (USGS) and be able to plot photos as I take them. Often, on ranches, it can be hard to remember exactly where a photo was taken. On reports we do for Federal agencies, they require a photo location map. It would be nice to make entries as I take photos, and have such exhibits completed as I inspect the ranch. It would also be nice to see after the inspection, if I was on deeded land the whole time, or if I was on a grazing allotment (often they are not fenced separately here in Oregon).
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Delorme has something called TopoTools, a companion product to their topo software. I think it does what you want, but you can check their website http://www.delorme.com for more info.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    When you do inspections, what are you looking for? Mining claims? Dumping? Just curious.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    The "about GPS" section on the Garmin website states that accuracy on the military frequency, (i.e. no differential beacon), is 1 CENTIMETER. Wow.
  • greggauchogreggaucho Member Posts: 62
    I am a real estate appraiser specializing in large ranches and rangeland. We do a lot of contract work for the BLM and USFS for land exchanges. Inspections generally looking for property lines, roads, water features (springs, streams, ponds) and other amenities, negative influences, adjoining grazing allotments, etc. For fun, I hunt upland birds, so I look for springs and cover features.
  • n75v111n75v111 Member Posts: 243
    DOD removed the civilian degradation at orders from the Clinton Administration last May over the objections from the Pentigon. (Wonder who they will vote for!!!!!)
    But the military does has new 'SELECTABILITY' capability to change accuracy at any time, any specific place on the planet, at will -- to any accuracy they choose- including hundreds of miles.

    But Quadrunner500 correct about military encrypted code vrs civilian SPS code.

    The SPS code degradation was removed last may.
    Accuracy before was 100 & 300 meters -- with most areas actually seeing better than 100 meters.
    Accuracy after May is less than 100 meters -- with most areas actually seeing better than 15 meters with current commercial GPS units (PROBABLY not OnStar though -- Just Kidding).

    Aircraft Precision Approaches will use Airport Augmentation System (WAAS) to correct any Pentigon change in accuracy for that specific airport/area allowing continuance of Commercial/General Aviation activities. (You know-If your in the soup and need to land you can – Kinda nice of them, huh!).

    Military encrypted code accuracy classified but expected to be 'INCHES'.

    75V
  • bernimbernim Member Posts: 2
    The $200 you quoted for after the first year, was this for just the basic service or for the premium service?
  • k0hbk0hb Member Posts: 89
    $199 for basic service, $399 for premium.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    any true value is the free package.
  • emptyempty Member Posts: 14
    Monday a guy in San Francisco leaves his 3yr old
    in his running Cadillac Escalade while he goes into a market. The SUV is promptly stolen. Police call OnStar and get the vehicles approximate location. OnStar operators beep the SUV's horn and flash its lights. Vehicle and baby recovered sans thief.

    Something positive about OnStar instead of the GM Marketing Gadget intended to produce reoccurring income that I thought it was.

    \
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Being that it has been inactive here for quite some time, I'm going to close this discussion. Please continue this subject in one of our active Silverado discussions. Use the Board Search to find active Silverado discussions throughout Town Hall.

    In addition, feel free to continue this discussion in our new Siverado Accessories discussion. This discussion will be archived in several days. ;-)

    Pocahontas
    Host
    Pickups Message Board
This discussion has been closed.

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