Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 18:40:31 -0400 From: Rob Levandowski <roblnopsamhiz.com> Subject: Re: Advice for SAAB newcomer on 9-5 SE
In article <8n80di$b6e$1nopsamdium.news.lion-access.net>, "1riso" <1risonopsamler.nl> wrote: >As I missed the beginning of this thread, could somebody tell me what >"Onstar' is please ? It's a telemetric system owned by GM. I don't know if it's available outside the Continental U.S. The core of the system is a standard 3 watt analog cellular telephone, integrated into the vehicle's wiring. Through a computer, the phone is also connected to the vehicle's data harness, and a small button panel on the dash. Touching the "OnStar" button will immediately call an OnStar concierge. Touching the red-cross button will place a priority call, flagged as an emergency. There's a GPS unit integrated into the system. The concierge can access the GPS coordinates to determine where you are. They can then give you trip instructions, send help to your location (medical help, police, roadside assistance), etc. On some models (don't know about Saabs) the system is connected to the engine computer, so the concierge can run diagnostics remotely if your car has engine problems. If you call the concierge from a different telephone, and provide a passcode, they can trigger your car's locks remotely, in case you lock your keys inside. If your airbag deploys, the system automatically places an emergency call to the concierge, indicating airbag discharge, and opens the speakerphone mike. The concierge will say something like "Mr. So-and-so, I show that your airbag just went off, are you okay?" If you don't answer, or answer "no," they'll send help to your location immediately based on the GPS coordinates. Thus, if you get knocked unconscious in a crash, the car will call for help without you. If you pay a higher fee, the concierge will do concierge-like things for you: make dinner or hotel reservations, send flowers, etc. For my money, the only real drawbacks to the system are that (a) it must be factory installed -- it can't be retrofit and (b) you have to use an analog cell phone. Considering the prevalance of digital cell phones in the U.S. right now, that's a deal-breaker for many people, because most of the time you'll use the system in cellphone mode, and you'll want the digital clarity. However, from a safety standpoint, analog makes sense. In the U.S., most fringe areas have analog service only, and digital cell phones don't go above 0.5 watt. That 3 watt analog phone will look really good if you whack a tree in rural Vermont... -- Rob Levandowski roblnopsamhiz.com
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