Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 02:17:09 GMT From: "Julie & Blair" <julieandblairnopsamaone.net> Subject: Re: Advice for SAAB newcomer on 9-5 SE
>>digital phones don't go above .5 watts<< Really? Even if they're hard-wired to the car??? --Blair Rob Levandowski <roblnopsamhiz.com> wrote in message news:robl-3AFE1A.18403114082000nopsam.frontiernet.net... > 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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