Out with OnStar, in with Sprint PCS

[Detonate]

I've come to the conclusion that OnStar is waste.

However, the button on the steering wheel for using the phone, the antenna that is already on the roof, the microphone above the drivers head, and the ability to hear the phone through the radio speaker system is NOT a waste.

So somehow, someway, reguardless of the amount of custimization involved. There should be a way that I can take my old Sprint PCS phone, gut it, and integrate it into my H2.

I'm sure noone has the schematics drawn up and on hand. But anyone think of a reason that this would *NOT* be possible?

My Sprint PCS service allows for as many phones as I'd like at no addition charge, so making a Hummer Phone would be awfully cool.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[Detonate]

I've come to the conclusion that OnStar is waste.

However, the button on the steering wheel for using the phone, the antenna that is already on the roof, the microphone above the drivers head, and the ability to hear the phone through the radio speaker system is NOT a waste.

So somehow, someway, reguardless of the amount of custimization involved. There should be a way that I can take my old Sprint PCS phone, gut it, and integrate it into my H2.

I'm sure noone has the schematics drawn up and on hand. But anyone think of a reason that this would *NOT* be possible?

My Sprint PCS service allows for as many phones as I'd like at no addition charge, so making a Hummer Phone would be awfully cool.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[Detonate]

Here is someone that hacked into their own GPS unit so he could use it without the OnStar service.

http://members.cox.net/onstar/

Ok, back to reading for more info... I'm sure someone else has thought about this, and probably done it.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[Detonate]

A Nokia, OnStar mod system that only works for Saabs....

At least it's looking more like it *is* possible.

http://www.uhltronics.com/

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:
A Nokia, OnStar mod system that only works for Saabs....

At least it's looking more like it *is* possible.

http://www.uhltronics.com/

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

On their site they say that have someone beta testing a kit for a Chevy Avalanche and a Suburban. This same kit should work for the H2

[Detonate]

Here is some info on keeping the OnStar with an Aftermarket Stereo....
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundigistar.html

Might be useful to someone...

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[btaylor]

It seems like a lot of work to tap into the vehicle's GPS when you can buy a handheld with unbelievable features for $120. You'll spend more than that hacking into the OnStar.

Also, I've decided I'll use both my Sprint phone and my On Star. I was in the way-out-back last week and used my On Star as a convenient way to call home when my handheld couldn't get a signal. If my PCS swithes to analog I pay the same high rate as On Star and I use it anyway if I need to make the call. You can say a lot in one minute for that 25 cents.

The car's built in phone can be viewed as a backup and more powerful phone to make an emergency call where the cell is very weak. It will always have battery.

I view the phone and the GPS as a safety tool. Best let them be what they are.

I would agree with btaylor - I like the OnStar and I like it as a good backup system to my cell phone which is on me every minute of the day - I also just give my Onstar number to my wife and sons only for ER use.

[dr p]

Is there any way to input numbers when you are using the onstar phone? alot of pharmacies now have automated systems and you need to push a number to get to the pharmacy. I haven't as of yet been able to figure this out. I also have had several occasions where my handheld would now work but the onstar would-especially adirondacks.

[maybe some day...]

The Onstar works where your handheld may not because it is a full 3 watt phone - like the old bag phones - your handheld is .6 watt I believe.
BTW, Onstar uses Verizon's network and is supposedly switching to a digital service late this year.

[Detonate]

OnStar uses something different wherever you are.

In my area, OnStar uses nothing. Meaning Personal Calling Service is not even available in my area. My area being Dallas, Ft Worth.

-Jim March
Arlington TX
2003 Red H2
Beauty is in the eye of the Beer Holder

[PARAGON]

The product from uhlelectronics.com does not do away with onstar, it allows your cell phone to work with and in the same manner as the onstar does in your vehicle, so you still have the "backup."

I will have to give onstar my praise now though. My family (wife, 2 YO daughter, 4 month old German Shepard) went to our land this weekend that is someout out in the "boonies." I took the keys out of the ignition and laid them on the console. My wife got out on her side and we both closed our doors. Somehow the vehicle got locked with my daughter and dog inside.

We called onstar and gave them our info and pin number, they told us to leave the vehicle alone for at least 10 minutes as they tried to send it a signal. There was some concern it wouldn't work because of where we were. After about 5 minutes, we heard the doors unlock and the phone we had called from immediately rang. It was onstar checking to see if it had worked.

This save me some headaches of breaking the glass to get in and the cost of replacing the glass. So, I like that part of the onstar system, but fault GM for not putting a system that will allow you to add an aftermarket removable phone.