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W1N · 04-30-2006, 03:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa

Actually, from what I remember, Onstar is simply a GPS reciever and a Cellphone jammed together. In the newer, digital versions, there's also a databand in the cellphone that allows two-way data between the car and the Onstar service.

'Onstar' isn't exactly some mythological third service that exists out there. It's GPS and cellular.

As for the antenna: Generally GPS antennas are GPS antennas. There's no seperate GPS signals that prevents one GPS antenna from working with one reciever and not another. It's not like trying to use an FM antenna with an AM radio.

You should be able to find the Onstar brain and unplug the GPS antenna from that, adapt it and extend it to your headunit. Finding an extension might be a bit of a pain though, I don't know how common those are.

Here is the comment from a guy that has done this:

"Well, what I did was to create an "adapter cable" that I connected between the factory Onstar GPS antenna plug and the navigation unit. I bought an extra factory in-dash GPS antenna, cut off the cable, and added a connector to the cut end of the cable that could mate to the factory Onstar GPS antenna cable. I believe it is a MCX connector, and I bought mine from Mouser (www.mouser.com)."

Thanks!

04-30-2006, 03:37 AM	#16
W1N Newbie Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 8	Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa Actually, from what I remember, Onstar is simply a GPS reciever and a Cellphone jammed together. In the newer, digital versions, there's also a databand in the cellphone that allows two-way data between the car and the Onstar service. 'Onstar' isn't exactly some mythological third service that exists out there. It's GPS and cellular. As for the antenna: Generally GPS antennas are GPS antennas. There's no seperate GPS signals that prevents one GPS antenna from working with one reciever and not another. It's not like trying to use an FM antenna with an AM radio. You should be able to find the Onstar brain and unplug the GPS antenna from that, adapt it and extend it to your headunit. Finding an extension might be a bit of a pain though, I don't know how common those are. Here is the comment from a guy that has done this: "Well, what I did was to create an "adapter cable" that I connected between the factory Onstar GPS antenna plug and the navigation unit. I bought an extra factory in-dash GPS antenna, cut off the cable, and added a connector to the cut end of the cable that could mate to the factory Onstar GPS antenna cable. I believe it is a MCX connector, and I bought mine from Mouser (www.mouser.com)." Thanks!