Use OnStar GPS with DeLorme Street Atlas
Question:
I just bought a new 2002 GMC Envoy equipped with OnStar. Does anyone know if you can tap into the OnStar (GPS) and use this data stream as GPS input to a PC (used in a program like the DeLorme Street Atlas). The GPS data stream needed for must be in NMEA format – it’s usually just two wires ( the GPS stream and a ground). I’ve only had the car for 2 days, and have not located the OnStar unit yet and don’t know if the OnStar (GPS) can do this. I do have another GPS receiver that I could use in the car, but it seems a shame to have one already "built-in" and not take advantage of it. Also, this same GPS tap would be great for use for my ham radio hobby (APRS). By the way, I contacted OnStar about this, but just got the standard answer that it’s a "sealed system" and should not be used with anything else. Thanks… Walt WA2NXK
Response:
I just found the onStar unit today. I have 2002 TrailBlazer EXT (had for 4 days). Mine is under the middle right seat (like the left has the fuses). It is a motorola unit. Not sure if it the same for Non-extended Envoy or Trailblazer. Man what a truck… yeee haaa Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just bought a new 2002 GMC Envoy equipped with OnStar. Does anyone know > if you can tap into the OnStar (GPS) and use this data stream as GPS input > to a PC (used in a program like the DeLorme Street Atlas). The GPS data > stream needed for must be in NMEA format – it’s usually just two wires ( the > GPS stream and a ground). I’ve only had the car for 2 days, and have not > located the OnStar unit yet and don’t know if the OnStar (GPS) can do this. > I do have another GPS receiver that I could use in the car, but it seems a > shame to have one already "built-in" and not take advantage of it. Also, > this same GPS tap would be great for use for my ham radio hobby (APRS). By > the way, I contacted OnStar about this, but just got the standard answer > that it’s a "sealed system" and should not be used with anything else. > Thanks… > Walt > WA2NXK
Response:
What OnStar told you was right, It is a sealed unit, not compatible with anything else. Don’t mess with it. Jerry H. — A GMC Dealer
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just bought a new 2002 GMC Envoy equipped with OnStar. Does anyone know > if you can tap into the OnStar (GPS) and use this data stream as GPS input > to a PC (used in a program like the DeLorme Street Atlas). The GPS data > stream needed for must be in NMEA format – it’s usually just two wires the > GPS stream and a ground). I’ve only had the car for 2 days, and have not > located the OnStar unit yet and don’t know if the OnStar (GPS) can do this. > I do have another GPS receiver that I could use in the car, but it seems a > shame to have one already "built-in" and not take advantage of it. Also, > this same GPS tap would be great for use for my ham radio hobby (APRS). By > the way, I contacted OnStar about this, but just got the standard answer > that it’s a "sealed system" and should not be used with anything else. > Thanks… > Walt > WA2NXK
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What OnStar told you was right, It is a sealed unit, not compatible with > anything else. Don’t mess with it. > Jerry H. — A GMC Dealer > I just bought a new 2002 GMC Envoy equipped with OnStar. Does anyone know > if you can tap into the OnStar (GPS) and use this data stream as GPS input > to a PC (used in a program like the DeLorme Street Atlas). The GPS data > stream needed for must be in NMEA format – it’s usually just two wires > the > GPS stream and a ground). I’ve only had the car for 2 days, and have not > located the OnStar unit yet and don’t know if the OnStar (GPS) can do > this. > I do have another GPS receiver that I could use in the car, but it seems a > shame to have one already "built-in" and not take advantage of it. Also, > this same GPS tap would be great for use for my ham radio hobby (APRS). > By > the way, I contacted OnStar about this, but just got the standard answer > that it’s a "sealed system" and should not be used with anything else. > Thanks… > Walt > WA2NXK
So is it a bug or a feature if its sealed so that it’s only usefull to GM and only to make money via a subscription? I’d wait for the add in units to come out. They are bound to come out where all you do is junk the Onstar sealed POS and replace it with a Onstar compatible unit with an output for your laptop that can use your onstar antanii
Response:
They’ve been out for years. It’s called a handheld GPS. Plug the laptop into an inverter, put the $60 basic handheld unit on the seat beside it, and go. Works fine for me.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What OnStar told you was right, It is a sealed unit, not compatible with > anything else. Don’t mess with it. > Jerry H. — A GMC Dealer > > I just bought a new 2002 GMC Envoy equipped with OnStar. Does anyone know > > if you can tap into the OnStar (GPS) and use this data stream as GPS input > > to a PC (used in a program like the DeLorme Street Atlas). The GPS data > > stream needed for must be in NMEA format – it’s usually just two wires > the > > GPS stream and a ground). I’ve only had the car for 2 days, and have not > > located the OnStar unit yet and don’t know if the OnStar (GPS) can do > this. > > I do have another GPS receiver that I could use in the car, but it seems a > > shame to have one already "built-in" and not take advantage of it. Also, > > this same GPS tap would be great for use for my ham radio hobby (APRS). > By > > the way, I contacted OnStar about this, but just got the standard answer > > that it’s a "sealed system" and should not be used with anything else. > > Thanks… > > Walt > > WA2NXK > So is it a bug or a feature if its sealed so that it’s only usefull to GM > and only to make money via a subscription? > I’d wait for the add in units to come out. They are bound to come out > where all you do is junk the Onstar sealed POS and replace it with a > Onstar compatible unit with an output for your laptop that can use your > onstar antanii
