OnStar antenna as external GPS antenna?

**W1N** · 04-28-2006, 12:32 AM

Hello all!

I just got me a new H2 and decided to go for a aftermarket receiver, so that I can play mp3's out of DVD and use Navigation feature as well. I got me a Kenwood DDX series receiver and the navigation unit. I was just thinking of using the Onstar antenna for my navigation, since I can't use the OnStar here (I'm located in Europe). This way I could get better visibility to satellites and I didn't have to install another GPS antenna to my truck since it already has one. I think the antenna technology should be the same, so that shouldn't be a problem...

Anybody information how this can be done, like wiring guides? All together I've heard it shouldn't be a big deal?

Thanks and you guys have great forum here!

**ElKeeed** · 04-28-2006, 06:34 AM

look in the faq, its been done

**W1N** · 04-28-2006, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by ElKeeed

look in the faq, its been done

Might be just me, but I can't find a thing in there.

thanks!

**peijffertje** · 04-28-2006, 06:51 AM

I would like to know how to do this as well. I seach in the faq but its not there.

**DarquePervert** · 04-28-2006, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by W1N

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=106

Must be just you....
Maybe it's just a newbie trait.

OEM GPS mod. Writeup + Pics

YOu need to look in the FAQ Emporium. This was found inthe FAQ to the FAQs thread.

**W1N** · 04-28-2006, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Must be just you....
Maybe it's just a newbie trait.

OEM GPS mod. Writeup + Pics

YOu need to look in the FAQ Emporium. This was found inthe FAQ to the FAQs thread.

Sorry dude, but I think this is not what we are looking for. I would like to use just the Onstar antenna located on my car roof for aftermarket Navigation unit rather that using the oem antenna that was delivered with the aftermarket Navigation unit.

I think somebody said all I need to do is change the plug in the onstar antenna wiring and plug it into the aftermarket Navigation unit. I'd like to get confirmation for this and see how it has been done.

Thanks anyway!

**ElKeeed** · 04-29-2006, 05:46 AM

Why not just use the onstar gps? You can't just plug any old antenaa into a random nav unit and expect it to work.

**W1N** · 04-29-2006, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by ElKeeed

Why not just use the onstar gps?

What do you mean? I already have another device that has the GPS in it, but I do not want to istal a second antenna in my car. So why not use the one that already exists, when I can't use OnStar here anyways...

Originally Posted by ElKeeed

You can't just plug any old antenaa into a random nav unit and expect it to work.

Antenna is antenna, it is mechanical component. If it has been designed to communicate with GPS satellites, it is very likely that the antenna can be used for positioning and other satellite using devices too.

**ElKeeed** · 04-29-2006, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by W1N

What do you mean? I already have another device that has the GPS in it, but I do not want to istal a second antenna in my car. So why not use the one that already exists, when I can't use OnStar here anyways...

Onstar has a GPS unit in it that you can use whether you are using onstar itself or not.

Antenna is antenna, it is mechanical component. If it has been designed to communicate with GPS satellites, it is very likely that the antenna can be used for positioning and other satellite using devices too.

Wrong! The gps is designed to talk to the satellite, the antenna is chosen for the characteristics of the specific gps. Different antennas can be very different. Have you not wondered why you need a huge dish to pick up sky tv from a satellite but only a little antenna to pick up gps?