OnStar; current equipment status?

[JimD]

Considering purchase of a 2005 model Cadillac and am getting conflicting information regarding OnStar equipment installed on current production vehicles.

Because cellular technology will be all digital in a few years, and there is a large installed base of analog infrastructure, most cell phones today contain dual-mode (analog and digital) capabilities.

Finally the question: Is the OnStar equipment in a 2005 vehicle going to be dual-mode for 100% certain? And how would I be able to verify dual-mode capability in a specific car?

[Logan]

The latest stuff I have is 2003. The system will be someday be both analog and digital. That being said....for sure it will cover the analog side for many more years.

Just a short drive into Canada will prove that....

The OnStar® system on this vehicle will be one of 2 systems, Generation 4 (Gen. 4) or Generation 5 (Gen. 5). Both systems are diagnosed identically, differing only in the audio prompt responses and output voltage to the microphone. To determine which system this vehicle is equipped with, install a scan tool and access the Module I.D. Information screen. The Gen. 4 and Gen. 5 versions of OnStar® both consist of the following components:

Vehicle communication interface module (VCIM)

OnStar® button assembly

Microphone

Cellular antenna

Navigation antenna

This system also interfaces with the factory installed vehicle audio system.

Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM)

The VCIM is a 3-watt cellular device that allows the user to communicate data and voice signals over the national cellular network. It is powered by a fused, battery positive voltage circuit, connected through vehicle wiring to the 3-button assembly and the radio, and attached by means of coax cables to the cellular and navigation antennas. Ground for the module is accomplished by means of dedicated circuits that are routed with body wiring systems to chassis ground points. The module houses 2 modems, one to process global positioning system (GPS) data, and the other for cellular information. Satellites orbiting earth are constantly transmitting signals of their current location, from which the OnStar® system is able to pinpoint its own location. The navigation antenna receives these GPS signals and provides the data to the VCIM to be processed. The VCIM communicates with the rest of the vehicle over the class 2 serial data bus. The ignition state is determined by the VCIM through class 2 messaging. The module also has the capability of commanding the horn, door lock/unlock and operating the exterior lamps using the class 2 serial data circuit. When an OnStar® keypress is made, a class 2 message is sent to the audio system to mute all radio functions and transmit OnStar® originated audio. After the audio system is muted, the OnStar® signals are transmitted to the audio system on the cellular telephone voice signal circuit, and returned to the module on the cellular telephone voice low reference circuit. The cellular modem connects the OnStar® system to the cellular carrier's communication system by interacting with the national cellular infrastructure. The module sends and receives all cellular communications over the cellular antenna and cellular antenna coax.

OnStar® Button Assembly

The OnStar® button assembly on this vehicle is housed in the rearview mirror assembly. The button assembly is comprised of the 3 buttons and a status LED. The buttons are defined as follows:

The Answer/End Call button, which is black with a white dot, allows the user to answer and end calls or initiate the personal calling feature, if equipped.

The blue OnStar® Call Center button, which displays the OnStar® logo, allows the user to connect to the OnStar® Call Center.

The Emergency button, which will display either a red or white cross, sends a high priority emergency call to the OnStar® call center when pressed.

The OnStar® button assembly receives 10 volts on the keypad supply voltage circuit. When pressed, each button completes a circuit across a resister allowing a specific voltage to be returned to the VCIM on the keypad signal circuit. Depending upon the voltage range returned, the VCIM is able to identify which button has been pressed.

The OnStar® button assembly status LED is located to the right of the emergency button on the inside rearview mirror. The LED is GREEN when the system is on and operating normally. When the status LED is GREEN and flashing, it is an indication that a call is in progress. When the LED is RED, this indicates a system malfunction is present. In the event there is a system malfunction and the OnStar® system is still able to make a call, the LED will flash RED during the call. The OnStar® LED is controlled by the VCIM over the keypad RED LED signal circuit and the keypad GREEN LED signal circuit.

OnStar® Microphone

The OnStar®, or cellular, microphone on this vehicle is housed in the rearview mirror assembly. In Generation 4 equipped vehicles, the microphone is supplied 8 volts on the cellular microphone signal circuit, while Generation 5 equipped vehicles supply the microphone 10 volts. Voice data from the user is sent back to the VCIM by means of either a cellular microphone low reference circuit or a drain wire.

Cellular and Navigation Antennas

The cellular antenna is the component that allows the OnStar® system to send and receive data over airwaves by means of cellular technology. This antenna is connected at the base to a coax cable that plugs directly into the VCIM. The navigation antenna is used to collect the constant signals of the orbiting satellites. Within the antenna, is housed a low noise amplifier that allows for a more broad and precise reception of this data. Current GPS location is collected by the module every time a keypress is made. The OnStar® Call Center also has the capability of pinging the vehicle during an OnStar® call, which commands the module to retrieve the latest GPS location and transmit it to the OnStar® Call Center. A history location of the last recorded position of the vehicle is stored in the module and marked as aged. In the event the VCP loses or is removed from power, this history location is used by the OnStar® Call Center as a default. The actual GPS location may take up to 10 minutes to register in the event of a loss of power. This antenna requires a clear and unobstructed path to the satellites in the sky. Window tinting on vehicles may interfere with the GPS sensor functions, depending upon the amount of darkening and/or metallic particles that are embedded in the film of the tinting material.

OnStar Sleep Cycle

The OnStar® system uses a unique sleep cycle to allow the system to receive cellular calls while the ignition is in the OFF position. This cycle enables the VCIM to perform remote functions (such as door unlock) as commanded over the air by the OnStar® Call Center (when requested by the customer) and continue to maintain an acceptable level of battery electrical drain.

The OnStar® system uses three states of readiness:

High Power

Low Power

Sleep

The High power state is in effect whenever the ignition is in the "ON" or "RUN" position, and enables the OnStar® system to send and receive cellular calls and perform all remote functions. The Low power state is entered once the vehicle ignition is placed in the "OFF" position and the retained accessory power (RAP) function has been turned off, or times out. This state will last for one minute and allows incoming cellular calls to be received. After the one minute "window", the OnStar® system moves to the Sleep state. This state will not recognize or receive incoming cellular calls. At a predetermined time recorded within the VCIM (up to nine minutes), the system re-enters the Low power state to listen for a call from the OnStar® Call Center for one minute. After this interval, the system will again return to the Sleep state for nine minutes. After these nine minutes, the system will again enter the Low state of power and listen for any incoming calls that the OnStar® Call Center may be sending. In the event a call is being sent, the OnStar® system will receive the call and immediately go into the High power mode to perform any requested functions. If no call is received during the one-minute interval, the system will go back into the sleep mode for another nine minutes. This process will continue for up to 48 hours, after which, the OnStar® system will permanently enter the Sleep state until the ignition is once again turned to the "ON" or "RUN" position.

In the event the OnStar® system loses, or is temporarily removed from battery power, the system will remain in the Sleep state while the key in the OFF position. It will not begin to cycle until the vehicle passes into an open outside area with the ignition ON, where a GPS signal can be acquired, providing a reference for time. The OnStar® Call Center is able to maintain a record of exactly what time each vehicle will enter the one-minute Low power state by synchronizing their clocks with those of the vehicle, based on GPS signals.

Deactivated OnStar® Accounts

In the event a customer has not renewed their OnStar® account after expiration or the account was never activated, OnStar® will make a discrete cellular call to the vehicle to deactivate the OnStar® system. Before taking this action, customers are notified that the OnStar® system in their vehicle will be deactivated unless they elect to renew the account. After the vehicle has been successfully deactivated, customers will experience the following when attempting to contact OnStar from their vehicle:

During an OnStar® Call Center button press, the customer will be connected to a dedicated sales team who can sell an OnStar® subscription and reactivate the vehicle. Depending on the type of OnStar® hardware in the vehicle, the customer may first hear a demonstration message stating there is no current OnStar® subscription for the vehicle, and directing the customer what to do to activate services.

During an emergency button press, a demo message will be played indicating the service has been deactivated.

OnStar® Personal Calling (OPC) will not be available, as this feature requires the customer to have a current OnStar® account. Attempts to use this feature may result in cellular connection failure messages and the inability to connect to the number dialed.

It is of particular note, that when an OnStar® system is successfully deactivated, it will NOT attempt to connect to the OnStar® Call Center in the event of a collision or if the vehicle's front air bags deploy for any other reason.

Certain vehicles that have never had an active OnStar® account, that have been deactivated, may be unable to establish a connection with the OnStar® Call Center. When normal published diagnostic procedures do not indicate a possible cause for the no connect concern, the vehicle may have been deactivated. For deactivated vehicles, a no connect response should be considered normal operation. Further diagnosis and subsequent repair is only necessary should the customer elect to become an active OnStar® subscriber.

OnStar® Reconfiguration Procedure

Within the VCIM are a set of unique numbers that identify the OnStar® customer and the specific vehicle the module resides in. These numbers, the station identification number (STID) and the electronic serial number (ESN) are transmitted over the cellular network when an OnStar® keypress is made and are essential for proper identification and connection to the OnStar® Call Center. In the event the VCIM requires replacement, the OnStar® reconfiguration procedure must be performed. This procedure allows for the new STID and ESN within the replacement module to overwrite the old numbers and update customer and vehicle information at the OnStar® Call Center. The Reconfiguration process is explained within the VCIM replacement procedure, or the OnStar® Reconfiguration Procedure found in the Cellular Communication diagnostic information and procedures section.

OnStar® Cellular, GPS, and Diagnostic Limitations

The proper operation of the OnStar® System is dependent on several elements outside the components integrated into the vehicle. These include the National Cellular Network Infrastructure, the cellular telephone carriers within the network, and the GPS system.

The cellular operation of the OnStar® system may be inhibited by factors such as the user's range from an analog cellular tower, the state of the cellular carriers' equipment, and the location where the call is placed. Making an OnStar® keypress in areas that lack sufficient cellular coverage or have a temporary equipment failure will result in either the inability of a call to complete with a data transfer or the complete inability to connect to the OnStar® Call Center. The OnStar® system may also experience connection issues if the identification numbers for the module (STID and ESN numbers) are not recognized by the cellular carriers local signal receiving towers. OnStar® cellular connection issues such as these require the assistance of the General Motors Technical Assistance Center OnStar® Group, which coordinate with cellular carriers to resolve connection issues.

The satellites that orbit earth providing the OnStar system with GPS data have almost no failures associated with them. In the event of a no GPS concern, the failure will likely lie with the inability of the system to gain GPS signals because of its location, i.e. in a parking structure, hardware failure, or being mistaken with an OnStar® call which has reached the Call Center without vehicle data.

During diagnostic testing of the OnStar® system, the technician should ensure the vehicle is located in an area that has a clear unobstructed view of the open sky, and preferably, an area where analog, cellular calls have been successfully placed. These areas can be found by successfully making an OnStar® keypress in a known good OnStar® equipped vehicle and confirming success with the OnStar® Call Center advisor. Such places can be used as a permanent reference for future OnStar® testing.

OnStar® Personal Calling

The hands free, OnStar® Personal Calling (OPC) cellular phone feature is an additional option to the OnStar® system. This feature is already embedded within the VCIM, however, it must be activated by an OnStar® advisor. This is done most often during the initial OnStar® configuration, if the home location of the vehicle is in a geographic area where OnStar® Personal Calling is available. In the event this feature is not enabled, customers may connect to the OnStar® Call Center by pressing the blue OnStar® button, and asking an advisor if OPC is available in their area. Users can verify the system has been configured for OnStar® Personal Calling by pressing the answer/end call button, by waiting for the system to respond with Ready, or OnStar Ready, or by saying the word Dial. If the system responds Phone Unavailable the system has not been configured for OPC. All other responses confirm that OPC has been enabled.

Operation of the Hands Free Cellular Phone

OPC operates similar to most hand held cellular phones in that the availability for its usage is based on minutes or units. The customer must have a current OnStar® subscription, as this feature cannot be utilized without it. To use OnStar® Personal Calling, the customer must also purchase units as outlined in the owner's guide provided with the OnStar® system. When the customer purchases minutes, an OnStar® advisor loads these minutes into the VCIM over the airwaves at the time of the request, or through a discrete cellular call to the vehicle at a later time. Once loaded into the module, the units may be used for non-international, outbound cellular phone calls and connection with the OnStar® Virtual Advisor. Units begin to deplete (one unit is equal to one minute) as the customer makes outbound phone calls, answers inbound phone calls, or while connected to the OnStar® Virtual Advisor. In addition, units also have an expiration date, depending upon the type of units purchased. This date is established when the download is performed and any remaining units expire when the date within the VCIM (which is based on current date and time transmitted by GPS satellites) has passed. At any time, the user can press the answer/end call button, say the word Units and verify the number of units remaining.

During a hands free call, the microphone and audio system operate the same way as a standard OnStar® call. When the answer/end call button is pressed, the audio system will mute; the OnStar® system will then return the prompt with the word(s) Ready or OnStar Ready. At this point, there are specific commands set to initiate a cellular call. If the vehicle receives a call when the radio is on, the audio system will mute and an audible ring will be heard though the speakers. The call will be answered when the answer/end call button is pressed.

The VCIM interprets all of the voice-activated commands. A complete list of these commands is supplied in the information provided to the customer. If the information is not available to reference, at any command prompt the caller can say the word HELP and the VCIM will return an audible list of available commands. If the customer concern is not being understood or not being heard by the OnStar® system, the user should place a call to the OnStar call center to verify proper operation of the microphone. Following this description is an example of the commands and the OnStar system responses. A complete list of commands is supplied in the information provided to the customer with the OnStar® system.

OnStar® Steering Wheel Controls

Some vehicles equipped with the Generation 5 OnStar® system have the capability of accessing voice mailboxes and other automated phone systems by means of the steering wheel controls, while the OnStar Personal Calling (OPC) feature is in use. If the Talk or Mute button (depending upon the vehicle) on the steering wheel controls are pressed during an OPC call, the VCIM receives the message on the Class 2 serial data bus from either the radio, driver information module, or body control module. This message is interpreted as a request to turn any spoken numbers into dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones to be delivered over the airwaves to the phone system the user is communicating with. Complete instructions for operation of these features can be found in the information provided to the customer with the OnStar® system.

The steering wheel controls are a resistor network that consist of multiple momentary contact switches and a series of resistors. The switches and resistor network are arranged so that each switch has a different resistance value. When a switch is pressed, a voltage drop occurs in the resistor network, which produces a specific voltage value unique to the switch selected, to be interpreted by either the radio, driver information module, or body control module.

OPC Features

The following is an abbreviated list of features that may have an impact for the technician when servicing or diagnosing an OnStar® system. For a full list of OnStar® Personal Calling features, consult the owners guide provided to the customer with the OnStar® system.

Voice Feedback

The OPC system has the capability of responding to the user with either an automated voice response or with a tone or beep. These 2 types of responses can be switched back and forth by pressing the answer/end call button, waiting for the system to respond with the words OnStar Ready and by stating the phrase, Voice Feedback. The system will then respond with, Voice Feedback Is Now On/Off.

OPC Security/System Lock

Customers have the capability to lock their OPC system by pressing the answer/end call button, by stating the word Security and entering a 4-digit code. Once this process is complete, the user must enter the code before OnStar® Personal Calling is available. In the event the customer cannot remember their code and is unable to use their system, they can press the blue OnStar button and speak to an advisor to unlock the system by means of a discrete cellular call to the vehicle.

Nametags

Customers have the ability to store telephone numbers within the module, referenced by a Nametag for the convenience of frequently dialed numbers. This process is initiated by pressing the answer/end call button, waiting for the system response, then by stating the word Store. The system will respond with the words Number Please, at which time the user should enter the number desired to be stored. Once complete, stating the word Store again lets the system know you are finished entering the number. At this time, the system will elicit the user to assign a Nametag to that number. From this point forward, the user can dial this number by initiating the OPC feature, stating the word Call, and repeating the nametag assigned. To delete a nametag, the user should initiate OPC, say the word Delete, then state the nametag to be removed. In the event a nametag cannot be deleted in spite of repeated attempts from several speakers, the OnStar® module will require replacement.

Mobile Identification Number and Mobile Directory Number

Directives by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) have mandated that cellular devices manufactured after November 2002 must have a capability that allows customers to transfer their assigned phone numbers to any new cellular devises purchased in the future. Devises which fall into this category no longer have a single phone numbe" but 2 numbers which identify that device, a MIN (Mobile Identification Number) and a MDN (Mobile Directory Number). The MIN represents the number used by the cellular carrier for call routing purposes while the MDN represents the number dialed to reach the cellular devise. Because of these FCC directives, some OnStar® systems may not recite the correct phone number when the user requests the My Number feature of OPC. This situation is considered normal for any OnStar® system that exhibits the condition. Customers using OPC can contact the OnStar® Call Center and ask an advisor what their correct number is at any time. Although technicians have the capability to change these numbers by means of the scan tool, this should ONLY be done at the direction of and with explicit instruction from the General Motors Technical Assistance Center (GM TAC).

Dialing a Phone Number Hands Free Caller Action

OnStar® System Response

Important

If you make a mistake with a number or the OnStar® system misunderstands you, say "clear". This will erase the last number said.

Press the Call/Answer button.

"Ready" or "OnStar Ready"

Dial

"Number please."

Say each number clearly, pausing until the system confirms receipt of the number.

The system will repeat the number stated. If the number was not heard or understood, the system will state the word "number" prompting the user to repeat the last number.

Dial

"Dialing" or "Dialing" plus the phone number given.

Operation of the OnStar® Speech Recognition Systems

OnStar® Gen. 4 and Gen. 5 users communicate with 2 speech recognition systems. Speech recognition allows the user to speak to one computer in the vehicle, and one reached over a phone line. The computer tries to understand the user's command, and responds by speaking back, or by taking the appropriate action, e.g. dialing the phone.

Personal Calling uses a speech recognition system that resides in the vehicle. When the user presses the dot button, the system states, Ready or OnStar Ready, and listens for the user's command. The user can speak commands to control the hands-free phone.

Virtual Advisor is a remote speech recognition system that the caller access by making a phone call. The user connects to Virtual Advisor by requesting it during personal calling use. The user is then transferred to the Virtual Advisor server and talks to it via a cellular connection.

The OnStar® speech recognition systems use speech technology that is designed to understand a wide range of American English speakers. Although there is no one right way to speak English, the system will work best when users try to modify their pronunciation should they encounter difficulty. Users who do not obtain good results are advised to try the tips and workarounds found in this section.

General Tips for Better Speech Recongnition Concern

Tip for Better Result

Noise

Noise may confuse the speech recognition system. You usuall get better performance from the system in quieter conditions:

The HVAC fan creates noise. Turn it down or off for better speech system performance.

Driving at high speeds creates louder engine noise and wind noise. You may get better results at lower speeds.

An open window or an open sunroof allows more noise to enter the vehicle. Close all windows for better results.

Noisy rainstorms can also reduce performance.

If passengers are talking while you use the speech system, it may be confused by their speech. You will get better results if all occupants of the vehicle are quiet while the system is listening for commands.

When to Speak

In Personal Calling, the system is only listening after it prompts you to speak.

When the system prompts you to speak, you have about 5 seconds to respond. If the system does not hear a response, it will prompt you again, or cancel the transaction.

If you begin to speak too soon, it will tell you "Slower, please." Try pausing for a half second before speaking.

In the Virtual Advisor, the system is always listening for commands, even while it is speaking.

How to Speak

Speak forcefully, and clearly.

The noisier the environment, the louder you need to speak. If you are in the drivers seat, speak facing the front of the car. If you are a passenger, speak facing the rearview mirror.

Speak calmly, and naturally. The system may sometimes fail your repeated attempts to give a command. If your speech is distorted by shouting or frustration, this may cause more errors.

People with high-pitched voices may have better results by speaking in a deeper, lower-pitched voice. However, do not lower the volume of the voice.

Avoid speaking with a rising intonation, like asking a question. Use a flat or falling intonation, like giving an answer.

What to Say

Personal Calling: One-word commands

The Personal Calling system listens for only one word at a time. There are some exceptions, 2-word phrases that are spoken and understood as a single word, e.g. "virtual advisor," "voice feedback," and "my number." You can enter phone numbers only one digit at a time, and the system repeats each digit as it hears it.

Say the "Help" at the Ready prompt to hear the list of Personal Calling commands.

Virtual Advisor can understand sentences with more than one word. It also expects to hear a 4-digit number all at once when it asks for your PIN.

Say, "What are my choices?" to hear a list of commands that the Virtual Advisor understands.

Entering a phone number

If you have trouble getting numbers correctly into the system, store your frequently-called number in the directory, so the system will remember them. After you have stored a number with a nametag, then you simply say "call" and the nametag in order to call the number.

If the system cannot understand your numbers, ask another person to help you enter your frequently-called numbers. This person can speak the numbers, then you can speak the nametag.

Storing or dialing a number

When you have finished speaking your phone number, you do not need to say "store" or "dial" to indicate that you are done. If you pause and say nothing, the system will ask you if you want to store or dial. Say "yes".

Creating nametags

Short nametags that are similar may be easily confused by the system. You may get better recognition of your nametags if you make them longer, for example "George Washington" without pause, instead of "George" only.

If you want to use nametags while driving, it is best to store the nametag with some vehicle noise in the background. If you are in park while you are storing nametags, you can turn the fan on low or open windows in order to create some background noise.

Virtual Advisor 4-digit PIN

Say the 4 digits in a natural way, without pausing between digits.

Interrupting

When the Virtual Advisor is speaking, you can interrupt it with another command. The first word in your command helps to get its attention.

If the Virtual Advisor has trouble understanding your commands when you interrupt, try speaking the first word loudly and clearly, then pause for an instant, then continue with the rest of the command. For example: "Get ... my weather" or "Lookup... a quote for General Motors".

Personal Calling Commands Command

Tip for Better Result

"add"

Emphasize the "d" at the end of the word.

"call"

Emphasize the "l" at the end of the word.

"cancel"

Emphasize the "l" at the end of the word. If you are speaking the "can" syllable very quickly, try to lengthen it a little.

"clear"

Emphasize the "r" at the end of the word.

"delete"

Emphasize the "t" at the end of the word. Do not swallow the "d" at the start of the word.

"dial"

Emphasize the "l" at the end of the word.

"directory"

Speak all 4 syllables clearly. Do not swallow the last part of the word.

"help"

Emphasize the "h" sound at the start of the word. Emphasize the "p" sound at the end of the word

"my number"

Emphasize all 3 syllables.

"no"

Speak loudly and slowly. Emphasize the "n" sound at the start of the word. Draw out the "o" sound at the end of the word.

"redial"

Try to emphasize and lengthen the first syllable: reee-dial

"security"

Speak 4 syllables clearly. Do not swallow the "i" sound in the middle of the word.

"store"

Emphasize the "o" sound in the middle of the word in order to distinguish from "star." Emphasize the "st" sound at the start of the word in order to distinguish from "four."

"units"

Speak loudly and clearly.

"verify"

Speak 3 syllables clearly. Do not swallow the "i" sound in the middle of the word.

"Virtual Advisor"

Emphasize both words.

"voice feedback"

Emphasize both words.

"yes"

Emphasize the "y" sound at the start of the word. Emphasize the "s" sound at the end of the word.

"zero," "oh"

If the system does not understand "oh," try "zero," or vice versa.

"one"

Emphasize the "n" at the end of the word.

"two"

Round your lips for the "ooo" part of the word. If you are clipping the "ooo" very short, try to lengthen it, but do not draw it out excessively. Speak in a low pitch. Do not use a rising tone like asking a question; a falling tone like giving an answer is better.

"three"

End the word "three" in a smile, to draw back your lips. Lengthen the "eee" sound if you are clipping it very short.

"four"

Emphasize the" r" at the end of the word.

"five"

Emphasize the "v" sound.

"six"

Emphasize the "ks" sound at the end of the word.

"seven"

Emphasize the "n" at the end of the word. Lengthen the "sev" syllable.

"eight"

Emphasize the "t" at the end of the word. Lengthen the "eee" sound at the start of the word.

"'nine"

Emphasize the "n" sounds to distinguish from "five."

"star"

Emphasize the "r" at the end of the word. Emphasize the "ah" sound in order to distinguish from "store."

"pound"

Emphasize the "p" at the start of the word. Emphasize the "d" at the end of the word.

[chazglenn3]

Good Lord, Logan!!! I sure hope that was a cut and paste job!

[RDWRIOR]

JimD,

I spoke with one of my office colleagues, who works for OnStar, about your concerns.

He reviewed his "rollout plan" for the various OnStar hardware levels, and confirmed that all 2005 Cadillac vehicle models have the dual mode analog/digital hardware.

However, we could not think of an easy way for you to check any given vehicle to determine if it really is equipped with the dual mode hardware.

[JimD]

JimD,

I spoke with one of my office colleagues, who works for OnStar, about your concerns.

He reviewed his "rollout plan" for the various OnStar hardware levels, and confirmed that all 2005 Cadillac vehicle models have the dual mode analog/digital hardware.

However, we could not think of an easy way for you to check any given vehicle to determine if it really is equipped with the dual mode hardware.

Thanks.

I remember reading that a dual mode OnStar installation has one more button on the control panel compared to an analog installation. However, I am so far unable to locate that source of information again!

So much information, so little time.

[RDWRIOR]

I remember reading that a dual mode OnStar installation has one more button on the control panel compared to an analog installation. However, I am so far unable to locate that source of information again!

I am not aware of any "added button" for the latest OnStar systems, and I cannot think of any reason why there would be a need for one.

My father recently bought a new '05 Chevrolet Suburban, which is one of the GM models that received the dual band OnStar hardware as a running change during the '04 model year. His vehicle has the familiar, standard three-button OnStar control panel.

[JimD]

Logan:

Thank you for taking the time to copy/paste the procedure; I have saved it as a text file for future reference. And excuse my bad manners for not saying something earlier.