Questions about Bluestar (Onstar replacement box)

[hazy]

So I'm considering getting rid of my onstar. I could go into my reasons why, but would be told to put away my tin-foil hat in short order.

Anyhow, I have some questions about it relating to how bluetooth is handled.

2011 2ss/rs. I have the USB/Aux setup in the center console...I presume this is also the module that allows bluetooth connection (music/phone calls) to my phone.

My questions are mostly specific to using bluetooth with the Bluestar box.

I do NOT have onstar currently. Well, I have the box (duh) but don't pay the fee, and don't use onstar to call anyone. I have my phone connected to the vehicle and will use that to call folks, and also do the same for music.

My questions:

-- Will replacing the onstar box cause me to lose ANY of my current bluetooth connectivity?

I need to be able to still connect my phone and make calls (NOT through the onstar phone, but through my cell connected via bluetooth to the head unit - "your vehicle" device) AND I also want to still be able to stream my music via bluetooth over the gmusiconnect device.

--I know there are other functionalities that are tied in with this box. Does it affect ANYTHING else? XM is one that comes to mind - I do have a subscription to XM, will I lose connectivity to that one?

--Are there any other things (good or bad) that I should be aware of before pulling the trigger? On the face of it, this thing seems great, however I don't want to drop the cash and put it in only to get surprised that I lost some kind of functionality. Could care less about onstar itself, but I don't want to lose anything else....

So what's been your experience? How is the install? From the one thread that I've found, it appears to be a pretty simple process to swap out...

[kmarshall2121]

The aliens can keep track of you through XM too....

[Cam_Cam]

I have no idea what the hell Bluestar is, but I can assure you that all of your tinfoil hat theories about OnStar are false and that you're going to spend money installing a system that isn't as good.

But good luck to you.

[hazy]

Originally Posted by Cam_Cam

I have no idea what the hell Bluestar is, but I can assure you that all of your tinfoil hat theories about OnStar are false and that you're going to spend money installing a system that isn't as good.

But good luck to you.

Well, while I was looking for info on the box itself, I appreciate your concern. Honestly my tinfoil hat may be strong, but what would it matter replacing something I don't use as long as all the functionality I need is there?

Onstar may have some good uses for some. I find it perfectly useless to me, and see no reason I can't eliminate it as long as the things I need will still work as I need them to...

So, is there anyone with any REAL experience with this? Not to be an asshole, but I didn't ask for opinions on my 'crazy tinfoil hat' theories...and if you think that you're not sending data to a 3rd party even if you don't have a subscription, then I fear you're probably incorrect - onstar has acknowledged that you're still sending info even if you've cancelled. My not wanting to do so doesn't negatively impact anyone, so I don't see the issue with it.....

[Nor Cal ZL1]

Onstar can be used by thieves to unlock your car also.

[gutterball]

I also got rid of on-star, I couldn't see paying 30-40 cents a call when I can do it for 7 cents a call. I have a GPS that has bluetooth,which I installed in the center console . I can now make hands free calls and have a standard GPS. You will not lose your Xm connectivity and you can just pull the fuse for On-star.

[hazy]

Originally Posted by gutterball

I also got rid of on-star, I couldn't see paying 30-40 cents a call when I can do it for 7 cents a call. I have a GPS that has bluetooth,which I installed in the center console . I can now make hands free calls and have a standard GPS. You will not lose your Xm connectivity and you can just pull the fuse for On-star.

ok cool, so I know XM stays, how about bluetooth functionality - I have the PDIM setup with the USB/Aux plug in the console, is that what contains the bluetooth module that allows you to stream music/phone over the vehicle audio system? This is a 2011....

My main concern is bluetooth being hooked into the Onstar box somehow. I didn't even realize that you could call direct via onstar until one day I accidentally disconnected my phone, so I presume the two systems (bluetooth/onstar) are independent of each other, but I need 100% verification before pulling the trigger on this....

[jeffa]

Originally Posted by hazy

ok cool, so I know XM stays, how about bluetooth functionality - I have the PDIM setup with the USB/Aux plug in the console, is that what contains the bluetooth module that allows you to stream music/phone over the vehicle audio system? This is a 2011....

My main concern is bluetooth being hooked into the Onstar box somehow. I didn't even realize that you could call direct via onstar until one day I accidentally disconnected my phone, so I presume the two systems (bluetooth/onstar) are independent of each other, but I need 100% verification before pulling the trigger on this....

The PDIM module is for streaming audio. The On Star unit contains the Bluetooth module for cell phone audio. Remove the On Star module, and you will loose your phone's Bluetooth hands free audio for your phone calls.

[hazy]

Originally Posted by jeffa

The PDIM module is for streaming audio. The On Star unit contains the Bluetooth module for cell phone audio. Remove the On Star module, and you will loose your phone's Bluetooth hands free audio for your phone calls.

Great info. Thanks!! So now all I need to find out is how the Bluestar handles phone call connectivity. As long as they confirm that I can keep that with tehir unit, sounds like I'll be good to swap.

Guess my next step is to contact them! I'll update this thread if/when I hear back from them.

[TommyTheCat]

Originally Posted by hazy

Great info. Thanks!! So now all I need to find out is how the Bluestar handles phone call connectivity. As long as they confirm that I can keep that with tehir unit, sounds like I'll be good to swap.

Guess my next step is to contact them! I'll update this thread if/when I hear back from them.

The bluestar is the box that unlocks your car when you get close to it and have your phone on you? Or am I confused

[hazy]

Originally Posted by TommyTheCat

The bluestar is the box that unlocks your car when you get close to it and have your phone on you? Or am I confused

no, Bluestar is a replacement for the OnStar box.

Onstar (as you probably know..or not?) controls a few features of the vehicle (phone connection, and maybe a few others) but also documents vehicle telemetry info for system monitoring, and relay back to a central location. This is how they know you've been in an accident, or are able to remotely lock/unlock your car, or run a code check if your CEL comes on, etc...

I don't use it at all. I only need the phone bluetooth functionality. And since the OnStar system is still sending data about your vehicle even if you don't pay for a subscription. So they still get your data, but you don't get the benefit of their monitoring. This doesn't sit well with me, and since I don't use it, I figure why not remove it.

So the BlueStar/Costar box basically replaces the OnStar box, gives you the phone functionality (and music, too, if you're so inclined) but completely removes the data sending/receiving portion of the system.



Also, as an update- I think I will be purchasing this once I have the funds. I've read their entire site, and answered all my questions. Here's the short of what I learned:

- phone BT is through the box. Functionality is slightly different, but still works almost as factory. You ARE able to use the steering wheel controls, and built in mic, etc. Nothing needs replacing but the box for phone functionality.

- Audio BT can be run through the Bluestar box, however since the phone audio is a Mono connection, you're required to run a 3.5mm cable to your aux input. Since this is the case, I'll still use the GMusicconnect to send BT streaming music to the stereo

- As stated above, XM is not affected by any of this, so if you use it, you'll still receive an XM signal post-Bluestar

- install is ridiculously simple. Drop glovebox, yank onstar box, put in bluestar box. I did read that it's best to hook up bluestar box to your comp and configure prior to install in order to make it as simple as possible.

- there are a few small things that may not work - I haven't been able to tell, but have done alot of reading - Name tags may or may not work (like showing caller info on HUD/Radio when rec phone call); automatic bluetooth connection when you start your vehicle may or may not work (I am pretty sure it does now, but in older firmware versions, it may not have)

Overall, I think this is a viable product. Definitely worth the 250 or so it costs, and they have a very good warranty policy, so if you are unsatisfied, then you can return it.

[lkurek]

And? Did you ever install it.....? What experience have you had with it.....and also, what functionality was lost, if any?

[SIM GhostrdrZ]

Originally Posted by hazy

So I'm considering getting rid of my onstar. I could go into my reasons why, but would be told to put away my tin-foil hat in short order.

Anyhow, I have some questions about it relating to how bluetooth is handled.

2011 2ss/rs. I have the USB/Aux setup in the center console...I presume this is also the module that allows bluetooth connection (music/phone calls) to my phone.

My questions are mostly specific to using bluetooth with the Bluestar box.

I do NOT have onstar currently. Well, I have the box (duh) but don't pay the fee, and don't use onstar to call anyone. I have my phone connected to the vehicle and will use that to call folks, and also do the same for music.




My questions:

-- Will replacing the onstar box cause me to lose ANY of my current bluetooth connectivity?


I need to be able to still connect my phone and make calls (NOT through the onstar phone, but through my cell connected via bluetooth to the head unit - "your vehicle" device) AND I also want to still be able to stream my music via bluetooth over the gmusiconnect device.

--I know there are other functionalities that are tied in with this box. Does it affect ANYTHING else? XM is one that comes to mind - I do have a subscription to XM, will I lose connectivity to that one?

--Are there any other things (good or bad) that I should be aware of before pulling the trigger? On the face of it, this thing seems great, however I don't want to drop the cash and put it in only to get surprised that I lost some kind of functionality. Could care less about onstar itself, but I don't want to lose anything else....

So what's been your experience? How is the install? From the one thread that I've found, it appears to be a pretty simple process to swap out...

Check out the schoche install with an aftermarket stereo of your choice install. I have no ONSTAR or XM and I can make calls and connect phone via Bluetooth. I can, if I choose get a separate xm or ONSTAR box. I will only get xm if I ever do. It is definitely worth the money to pay a professional to install unless you are a wiring guru. I installed myself and was careful as there are a lot of wires for the small area behind the stereo. I put a double din stereo that kicks ass over any gm one and I can update it as technology changes.

[hazy]

Originally Posted by Redhotls1

Check out the schoche install with an aftermarket stereo of your choice install. I have no ONSTAR or XM and I can make calls and connect phone via Bluetooth. I can, if I choose get a separate xm or ONSTAR box. I will only get xm if I ever do. It is definitely worth the money to pay a professional to install unless you are a wiring guru. I installed myself and was careful as there are a lot of wires for the small area behind the stereo. I put a double din stereo that kicks ass over any gm one and I can update it as technology changes.

This is not related to a Scoche install in any fashion. I wouldn't anticipate that this would be nearly as challenging as intstalling a new head-unit. Literally unplug existing connections to the OnStar box, remove said box, insert BlueStar box, and reconnect.

Fore reference, HERE is a good link from their forums that outlines some of the install, and some issues that he experienced. I'm unsure of whether or not they have remedied the issues that this person had regarding the shut-off of the box, however I'll be contacting the company to inquire prior to purchase/installation.

As for if I've purchased/installed it - not yet. But I plan on doing so in the next few months once I have the funds to purchase, and the time to set it up/install. Will definitely update once I'm able to get it in and working.