OnStar = HACKED!, Do it yourself for FREE

Awesome, time to go find the onstar system in the TL!!

 

That's cools

 

Do they have the same thing in:
OnStar for Dummies?

I did not understand a word. It was like it was written in Spanish

 

OnStar hacking for dummies:

1. Show a techie friend the article.
2. Have them dismantle the box and solder on an adaptor.
3. Install the software mentioned on the site on your laptop.
4. Plug your laptop in and access all of the GPS information directly from the unit on your laptop at no charge.

 

While I am all for hacking one's car, I should point out that this is fairly pointless for anything but the "cool factor". Why? Because all you're doing is accessing the OnStar's GPS unit and hooking it up to a laptop, and you can buy a generic GPS receiver that does the EXACT SAME THING for $20 - $50 on eBay.

So for $50 (max), it doesn't really seem worth taking your car apart, having wires all over the place, and voiding warraties up the wazoo.

My $0.02.

 

Agreed. With DeLorme's earthmate GPS receiver and software, you can do this with any laptop - and move it from one vehicle to another. Love mine...

 

I have one of the earthmates as well. but this particular onstar hack is also to say you can do it. this article was originally posted on www.slashdot.org - which is news for geeks, so it is all about figuring out how things work when it comes to hacks like this; not necessarily what is the best alternative, best buy, etc. it just deals with something existing and working with it.

 

How is this not stealing? If you're using the OnStar satellite are you not stealing the GPS service from them?

 

Remember, the service is free for the first year. I forget what the cost per year/ month. Does anyone know if the system is digital or analog?

 

There is no such thing as an "OnStar" satellite. The OnStar system uses the US Government Global Positioning Satellite system, a series of dozens of satellites launched by the US military using our tax dollars. Designed originally for military purposes, it's now also used by millions of people in non-military applications around the world. All GPS location devices/services, from automobile nav systems to PDAs to new cell phones use these same satellites.

OnStar simply uses the GPS system and a mobile phone service, all wired to the car, to provide the OnStar service.

vty,

--Dennis

 

Onstar is Analog..Rumered to be Verizon....

About $17 p/m for the most base safe and sound system