CoStar / BlueStar installed and working!

[raqball]

I received my CoStar / BlueStar module today and installed it... The install took all of 20 minutes... It paired right up with my HTC EVO and works right out of the box...



It is truly plug and play and the hardest part of the install was removing the glovebox...

This is now a great bluetooth option for those of us who do not have the factory bluetooth.. You do however loose all OnStar functions... I personally can care less about OnStar and IMHO it's way overpriced once the free trial is up...

The CoStar / BlueStar module is $279 shipped and can be ordered here.

http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

Install process

1. Remove the bungie style cord from the right side of the glovebox
2. Squeeze / push the glovebox ends in so the tabs clear the molding
3. Remove 5 screws that hold the upper portion of glovebox in place and pull downward to remove
4. Unplug and remove the OnStar box
5. Plug BlueStar in and reinstall the glovebox
6. Pair your phone and enjoy

I was going to add photos but the install is so simple, they are really not needed...

[EDGE_]

Thanks Raqball. As soon as my year is up this will be the route I am taking.

[raqball]

Originally Posted by EDGE_

Thanks Raqball. As soon as my year is up this will be the route I am taking.

No problem... I am thrilled that they worked out the bugs from the prior attempt to install it...

It now plugs right in and works right out of the box... Voice dialing from my EVO works, the sound through the car speakers is clear, and everyone said I sounded clear on their end during several test calls...

[mike.nite]

congrats on the instal!

- Can you also make nametags?
- Does it show the bluetooth activities on the radio display?
(i.e. incomming call, dialing, name of the phone, ...)
- can you use steering wheel controls


Just trying to figure out if you have the same features as with the factory onstar bluetooth.

[raqball]

Originally Posted by mike.nite

congrats on the instal!

- Can you also make nametags?
- Does it show the bluetooth activities on the radio display?
(i.e. incomming call, dialing, name of the phone, ...)
- can you use steering wheel controls


Just trying to figure out if you have the same features as with the factory onstar bluetooth.

I have not really played with it a lot since I just got it installed yesterday...

--No nametags that I am aware of
--Does not show BT activities on the radio (other than bluestar connected)
--Not sure about steering wheel controls (I don't have them) but I think it says they do work on their website..

I will test these out today and report back later...

[c_LoW29]

Music through the bluetooth?????

[raqball]

After a few days of playing with it here are some answers again..

Originally Posted by mike.nite

congrats on the instal!

- Can you also make nametags?
- Does it show the bluetooth activities on the radio display?
(i.e. incomming call, dialing, name of the phone, ...)
- can you use steering wheel controls

-- No nametags
-- Does not show activity on radio.. It only displays BlueStar connected
-- The website says steering wheel controls work but I do not have them so I can't say for sure...

Originally Posted by c_LoW29

Music through the bluetooth?????

No to music.... BT phone ONLY functions...

The sound quality is great... This box simply replaces the OnStar calling functions and not the BT factory functions... IE... If you have OnStar and use that calling function where you use OnStar purchased minutes... This allows you to use your cell phone minutes via the OnStar mic and speakers...

It is not a replacement for the factory BT add on..

Did that make any sense?

The best I can tell the Camaro has 2 separate BT abilities... One is OnStar where you purchase and use OnStar minutes the other is the factory installed BT....

[mike.nite]

Thanks for the infos Raqball.

This is definately a interesting alternative for those who can't get their hands on a used BT/Onstar module!

[sherifdude]

looking to trade my onstar with no bluetooth for one with onstar with bluetooth

[twnorman]

BTW - I emailed them last week asking if the music streaming worked for this and Chris said he should have it working by end of year and it would be a USB upgrade.

[twnorman]

I just installed mine today. I had to adjust it through the software provided so that my voice on the other line didn't sound scratchy, tinny. However, I am waiting to hear back on why it won't automatically pair the next time I get into the car.

Question for others that have installed this. Did you completely remove your onstar module? I thought I read somewhere that you need to leave it in (there are two other connections that are still wired to something). If you left the onstar module in, how did you position the costar module so that you could get the glovebox reassembled?
Thanks,
Tom

[buddylok]

I will probably order a BlueStar box before the end of the month.

[Iwantone2]

Originally Posted by twnorman

I just installed mine today. I had to adjust it through the software provided so that my voice on the other line didn't sound scratchy, tinny. However, I am waiting to hear back on why it won't automatically pair the next time I get into the car.

Question for others that have installed this. Did you completely remove your onstar module? I thought I read somewhere that you need to leave it in (there are two other connections that are still wired to something). If you left the onstar module in, how did you position the costar module so that you could get the glovebox reassembled?
Thanks,
Tom

I know this is a late reply, but yes, you do need to completely remove the OnStar box.

Originally Posted by buddylok

I will probably order a BlueStar box before the end of the month.

[KowalskiCamaro]

Help! I need bluetooth and this seems like the best option for me. Why can't I find it? The link above does not work.