C 3500 Truck 2WD V8-6.6L DSL Turbo VIN 1 (2002)
Antenna, Phone: Description and Operation
CELLULAR AND GPS ANTENNAS
The cellular antenna is the component that allows the OnStar(R) 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 Vehicle Communication Unit. The GPS or, 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(R) Call Center also has the
capability of "pinging" the vehicle during an OnStar(R) call, which commands the module to retrieve the latest GPS location and transmit it to the
OnStar(R) 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
VIU loses or is removed from power, this history location is used by the OnStar(R) Call Center as a default. 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.
