Thread: OnStar review from a CarPC guy.

14 bucks not a bad deal at all. Don't own a GM but like the idea for emergencies.

Also saw a commercial where Onstar unlocked the car.

After tweaking my carputer I locked my keys in the damn car, wife laughed at me One of those HUGE flat bed tow trucks had to come and break in to the car, all the neighbors came out to see. Cost was 40 bucks.

I hope other car companies have the same type of system soon.

Originally Posted by -zip-

14 bucks not a bad deal at all. Don't own a GM but like the idea for emergencies.

Also saw a commercial where Onstar unlocked the car.

After tweaking my carputer I locked my keys in the damn car, wife laughed at me One of those HUGE flat bed tow trucks had to come and break in to the car, all the neighbors came out to see. Cost was 40 bucks.

I hope other car companies have the same type of system soon.

Just readin what you wrote.. Let me just make sure I read this right: You paid $40 to have a someone drive over in a tow truck and break into your car? Hmm.. I'm sure you could have done it for free yourself, right?

Does OnStar use regular cell networks or a satellite system? That could have come in handy when I nailed a deer in the middle of nowhere with shoddy cell service. It was quite embarassing talking to the police dispatch lady and being disconnected every 15 seconds!

Did you see the commercial about how onstar is tracking anyone driving a new gmc collecting information about where, when, and how much people travel? and about how much money that information might be worth?

and did they show you how they can actually lock you INTO your vehicle? So that the only way out would be to break the window?

Once in a new trailblazer, a woman's voice just started talking through the speakers, we didnt even push anything. she was talking as if she did not know she was being listened to. Makes you wonder if they can just hear you whenever they want....

I would be ripping that box out so fast, they can track me right into the trash can.

I tested out MapMonkey last week, and noticed a cool feature of how it can calculate your speed using the GPS information. I bet GM can do the same thing, and get an idea of your driving habits (like speeding alot), and wonder if they can use it in legal matters (say a court case, or to tell your insurance company)?

I beleive it works on regular cellular service. But don't quote me. The reason being is where I live there is always shoddy cell service and when setting up the service in the driveway where I almost never get a good signal (one bar or less) The OnStar was also very shaky and gave static ocasionally like my cell would. However I think because Onstars antenna is powered by 12v it may be stronger than a regular cell phone.

Just so you guys know other car manufactures are installing "blackboxes" in thier vehicles to collect this information. Sooner or later its going to happen on a wider scale.

NMEA data (the data comming from the GPS unit) in your car gives your general speed and direction to the Onstar or CarPC system.

Hack your OnStar....not sure if it will work with your particular onstar, but worth reading:
http://www.mobile-effects.com/module...showpage&pid=6

Thanks for the info Bob. This car is actually for my Fiencee and every time I mention touching her car (actually mine because I baught it) You should see the death glares I get.