OnStar (R)

The OnStar(R) system on this vehicle is the F1 system. It consists of the Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM), navigation antenna, cellular antenna, microphone and OnStar(R) button assembly. The system also interfaces with the vehicle audio system.

OnStar(R) Button Assembly
The OnStar(R) button assembly may be pan of the rear view mirror on some vehicles and a separate unit on others. The button assembly is comprised of the three 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 OnStar(R) call center button which displays the OnStar(R) logo allows the user to connect to the OnStar(R) call center.
^ The red Emergency button sends a high priority emergency call to the OnStar(R) call center when pressed.

The OnStar(R) button assembly receives ten volts on the keypad supply voltage circuit. Each of the buttons, when pressed, completes the 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(R) button assembly status 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. The OnStar(R) LED is controlled by the VCIM over the keypad red LED signal circuit and the keypad green LED signal circuit.

OnStar(R) Microphone
The OnStar(R) microphone can be part of the rear view mirror assembly or, on some vehicle lines, can be a separate unit. The users voice is transmitted from the microphone to the VCIM over the cellular microphone signal circuit.

Vehicle Communication Interface Module (VCIM)
The Vehicle Communication Interface Module for the OnStar(R) system contains a GPS receiver and a cellular modem. The GPS receiver determines the vehicle location using the GPS satellite system. The GPS, or navigation antenna, which receives the GPS signal plugs directly into the VCIM. The navigation 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 which are embedded in the film of the tinting material. The Vehicle Communication Interface Module communicates with the rest of the vehicle over the class 2 serial data bus. On vehicles that do not use class 2 to communicate with the audio system, the VCIM uses the entertainment and comfort serial data circuit. The module is powered from the battery positive voltage circuit, and power moding is accomplished by 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. To mute the audio system, the Vehicle Communication Interface Module uses either the class 2 serial data circuit or the entertainment and comfort serial data circuit. After the audio system is muted, the OnStar(R) audio is transmitted to the vehicle audio system on the remote audio output (-), remote audio right signal circuit, and the remote audio left signal circuit. The VCIM is a 3 watt transceiver that connects the OnStar(R) system to the cellular carrier's communication system. The module handles all cellular communications over the cellular antenna and cellular antenna coax, which plugs directly into the module.

Operation of the Hands Free Cellular Phone

Dialing A Phone Number Hands Free:

The hands free, personal calling cellular phone feature is an additional option to the OnStar(R) system. During a hands free call, the microphone and audio system operate the same way as a standard OnStar(R) call. When the answer/end call button is pressed, the audio system will mute, the OnStar(R) system will then return the prompt "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. All the voice activated commands are interpreted by the Vehicle Communication Interface Module. A 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 "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(R) system, the user should place a call to the OnStar(R) call center to verify proper operation of the microphone. Here is an example of the commands and the OnStar(R) system responses. A complete list of commands is supplied in the information provided to the customer with the OnStar(R) system.

Operation of the OnStar(R) Speech Recognition Systems

General Tips For Better Speech Recognition Part 1:

General Tips For Better Speech Recognition Part 2:

OnStar(R) Gen F1 users communicate with two 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, eg. dialing the phone.
1. Personal Calling uses a speech recognition system that resides in the vehicle. When the user presses the dot button, the system states, "Ready", and listens for the user's command. The user can speak commands to control the hands-free phone.
2. 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 ii via a cellular connection.

The OnStar(R) 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.

Personal Calling Commands:

Personal Calling Commands