09 bluetooth first impression
NCM Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 2
From: Dumont NJ
The C6 Bluetooth is an extension of the OnStar module. It uses a similar menu system (call/dial) the same integration to the sound system, shares the voice tag / phone number directory. It doesn't have directory import from the cell phone like some bluetooth systems do. It works fine for what it is.
Yes, when the OnStar runs out, you can just use your own phone instead for calling. Probably what I'll do. It would be nice if a person could keep subscribe to the cell phone part of OnStar, since the windshield mounted antenna is probably capable of better connectivity in sketchy situations than a cell phone closed up and sitting in the console or in a bag in the trunk.
Yes, when the OnStar runs out, you can just use your own phone instead for calling. Probably what I'll do. It would be nice if a person could keep subscribe to the cell phone part of OnStar, since the windshield mounted antenna is probably capable of better connectivity in sketchy situations than a cell phone closed up and sitting in the console or in a bag in the trunk.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
I never thought I'd say this...but I miss my former ONSTAR from my 05C6. When we'll do some road trips this summer, I'm going to feel rather naked in some areas.
Red Cell.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 45
From: Castleton VA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The rest of the features are cell-based, too (carrier independent -- any digital cell link can be used to send/receive from the car).
There are no satellite transmitters on the car (which would be necessary for communications with OnStar via stellite). The only satellite aspects are independent of OnStar: GPS (OnStar taps into the GPS receiver for position data), and XM radio (no connection with OnStar, except OnStar's muting of the radio when engaged).
To the extent OnStar shows satellites in their advertising, they're a bit misleading because there are no voice communications via satellite -- they can get away with showing the satellite only because the position signals are GPS satellite-based.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
I don't believe this is true. OnStar uses 3 components to the system. 1. Cellular network for voice communications. 2. Call centers. 3. GPS satellites for position of vehicle. The cellular network is used for voice communications, not the satellites.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Converse TX
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 5
From: Nevada
The navigation has nothing to do with you not getting bluetooth. No 2008 Corvette had factory bluetooth.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,296
Likes: 156
From: Location: Location: kAnSaS
update
the first few times getting into the car i had to connect my blackberry phone, now for some reason it just does it all on its own. Kinda freaky but I likey
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OnStar
I like the system in the 09 Corvette...but I prefer the one in my 08 SRT8 Charger's My Gig system. It is much easier to manage bluetooth using the NAV screen than the DIC. Starting in 2009 almost all GM Vehicles have Bluetooth. That is because GM interfaced the Bluetooth with Onstar, which all their cars basically have, rather than building it into the radio, which most car makers do.. This allows them to continue to make OnStar relevent while also not spending the money to reengineer different radios.
Last edited by MarylandSpeed; Nov 25, 2008 at 11:38 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 661
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My dealer did not recommend NAV when we ordered our 09 Vette. I agree it is not very good. Could not believe that Bluetooth was not avaliable until 2009 models of Corvette or Cadillac. (Looked at a loaded CTS and Lexus GS350 last year and Caddy did not have Bluetooth if you can believe it. Dealer offered to install an aftermarket bluetooth in the ashtray) We bought the Lexus. Very happy with the bluetooth in the Corvette. Got a Garmin for use in my Mini Cooper S (BMW NAV is not known for it's ease of use) and Corvette only on rare occcasions. $199.00 and works well. GM was in the dark ages (when we were shopping) when it came to bluetooth and NAV.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,127
Likes: 1,656
From: Atlantic City NJ
You're right, my bad. OnStar doesn't use the satellite, it uses cell towers. The difference is the watts put out by the OnStar system. This is what causes the stronger signal. I've been in some remote area's with no signal on a Verizon phone but a good signal with OnStar.
Sorry for the confusion!
Sorry for the confusion!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
Glad you like it. We are picking up an '09 Malibu today for the wife. It also has bluetooth. I guess I will need to pair her phone, and then I think the 1st phone paired will link automatically when she (her phone) is in the car. I noticed there were ten (10) pages in the owner's manual on bluetooth, so I assumed it is a full featue sysem.
Also, our current vehiles with OnStar do not have the turn by turn navigation. I know the 2007 - 2009 models (with OnStar) now have turn by turn directions. That is a nice feature.
Now the bad news: The 2009 vehicles, equipped with OnStar, have a Police slow down feature, which can be activated during a Police chase to limit the speed of the vehicle (making it eash for the police to PIT). So I told my wife the next time she is in East Los Angeles making a "crack buy" she should take the Vette.
Also, our current vehiles with OnStar do not have the turn by turn navigation. I know the 2007 - 2009 models (with OnStar) now have turn by turn directions. That is a nice feature.
Now the bad news: The 2009 vehicles, equipped with OnStar, have a Police slow down feature, which can be activated during a Police chase to limit the speed of the vehicle (making it eash for the police to PIT). So I told my wife the next time she is in East Los Angeles making a "crack buy" she should take the Vette.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
When On*Star was first introduced, it used an analog cellular phone. Analog cell phones were allowed to use up to 3 watts of power, and of course On*Star took advantage of this, as did many "bag" phones. This gave them longer range than lower wattage handhelds.
Nowadays, with the analog cellular system switched off, On*Star has the exact same crappy FCC-regulated low-power digital signal as every other Verizon digital cellular phone.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
Sorry, wrong again.
When On*Star was first introduced, it used an analog cellular phone. Analog cell phones were allowed to use up to 3 watts of power, and of course On*Star took advantage of this, as did many "bag" phones. This gave them longer range than lower wattage handhelds.
Nowadays, with the analog cellular system switched off, On*Star has the exact same crappy FCC-regulated low-power digital signal as every other Verizon digital cellular phone.
When On*Star was first introduced, it used an analog cellular phone. Analog cell phones were allowed to use up to 3 watts of power, and of course On*Star took advantage of this, as did many "bag" phones. This gave them longer range than lower wattage handhelds.
Nowadays, with the analog cellular system switched off, On*Star has the exact same crappy FCC-regulated low-power digital signal as every other Verizon digital cellular phone.
