How OnStar Works
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Features
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OnStar is a relatively new technology used in cars to provide emergency assistance, as well as an assortment of added features. It is solely designed by General Motors Company (GM), so only cars manufactured by GM after 1996 will have this capability. Through the use of three buttons positioned below the rearview mirror, a driver can receive assistance in the case of an accident, obtain directions to a destination, or make a phone call from inside the car.
OnStar's original purpose was to provide life-saving assistance through their Automatic Crash Response System. Since its inception, ongoing technology developments have created a multi-purpose system. Additional features include Internet access, information regarding local attractions like businesses, restaurants and hotels, stolen vehicle assistance, roadside assistance and vehicle diagnostics.
Function
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OnStar's capabilities are made up of four different types of technology: voice recognition, cellular, a Global Positioning System (GPS) and vehicle telemetry. The voice recognition and cellular services work off of a Vehicle Comm and Interface Module that connects the car's antenna signal to OnStar's cellular network. The console is voice-activated and hands-free, using the car's speakers as receivers. As this module is hard-wired into the car's electrical system, it's also responsible for the vehicle diagnostics capabilities. This feature can track and report on the status of your engine and transmission system, emissions system, antilock braking, airbag system, as well as other information.
The GPS receiver and vehicle telemetry technology, called OnCore, uses radio signals to determine the exact location of your car. This enables the car to communicate with the OnStar Call Center through the use of four different satellite locators. This technology is what enables the Automatic Crash Response feature to notify the call center of your location in the event of a crash.
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Types of Equipment
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The cellular networks' conversion from analog to digital signals has required GM to upgrade its systems accordingly. Every new GM car comes equipped with OnStar. Vehicles built before the analog/digital transition will have a different system installed as compared to the newer models of today. Currently, there are three types of equipment in use, however only two of them are operable.
OnStar's first design was based on analog-only technology, and can only work off of analog cellular networks. As such, this equipment became inoperable as of January 1, 2008 and no upgrades are available. The second design is analog/digital ready, meaning any cars with this equipment must be upgraded in order for the system to work. The third design is based on a dual mode which uses both analog and digital signals. No upgrades are needed for the dual mode system.
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