Just got a new 2005 XLR Last week. Great car!!

However,I was told on the 2005 XLR that they had standard a onstar dual system phone to be analog and digitial systems.This would enable you to use one cell number for the car and your personel cell phone.Verzion service would have to be used for a $10 per month charge to Onstar!!!

Now after delivery I am told that its only on some 2005 XLR and my 2005 only has analog system and can not be upgraded!!!

I am not vey happy with Cadillac on this move.

Still trying to get my onstar hardware changed .

This is state of the art car and Cadillac still shows the old thinking by puting a 10 yaer old phone system in the car.Infact in 3 years angalog will be gone completely

My last Caddy was 1992 maybe it has the same phone system

You are correct it is an analog system, and all dealers should be aware of it. Why the dealer told you otherwise is wrong. Only the Escalade and the Deville as of now have the new digital onstar. The new STS which is more advanced in technology terms has the analog system.

When the digital hardware becomes available, you will be able to purchase it and have your personal calling minutes pulled from your Verizon accnt. Since the XLR's mic for the personal calling has to filter out a great deal more noise and wind, it makes much more sense to test the new digital systems in high volume cars first.

www.Cadillac-XLR.com (http://www.Cadillac-XLR.com)

Thank You
Allen

The following is quoted from the "GM Tech Link" web site:

Analog/Digital-Ready: Some 2003 and 2004 model year vehicles have analog/digital-ready hardware. These vehicles have been prepared for conversion to analog/digital (dual mode) hardware when it becomes available.

Analog/Digital (Dual-Mode): Some 2004 and future OnStar-equipped vehicles feature dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware, which will be unaffected by the FCC ruling.

Now if we could only find out from Cadillac if the 2004 or 2005 XLRs are built with this capability
rex32

The following is quoted from the "GM Tech Link" web site:

Analog/Digital-Ready: Some 2003 and 2004 model year vehicles have analog/digital-ready hardware. These vehicles have been prepared for conversion to analog/digital (dual mode) hardware when it becomes available.

Analog/Digital (Dual-Mode): Some 2004 and future OnStar-equipped vehicles feature dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware, which will be unaffected by the FCC ruling.

Now if we could only find out from Cadillac if the 2004 or 2005 XLRs are built with this capability
rex32

I remember checking on the '04 XLR. It was listed as being an "Analog/Digital-Ready" Onstar system. I don't know if anything changed for the '05.

Andy

I just purchased a state of the art 2005 XLR and now I will have to purchase
a upgrade to get from Analog to Digtial.

This features already on the the Esaclade

Not very happy

Allen -

Any chance that Cadillac would offer the digital upgrade at "No cost" or "Reduced Cost".

I agree with the comments in the forum. If we have purchased the top end Cadillac, why didn't we get the best technology?

Your comments about testing in another test bed are understandable. Howevere, if it does work, offering it at no cost would be a nice gesture.

By the way, I have found that the voice recognition takes a nose dive with the top down anyway (unless at a stop light). Plus, the people on the other end can't hear very well. I don't use the onstar phone much, unless I'm stopped (probably a good thing anyway), or have the top up.

Anyone else have comments?

EyeDoc,
As you know in any type of electronics, by the time a feature hits the market updates & upgrades are already being tested for use. You have to remember when a vehicle hits the street, the technology has had to be tested for years in that car. From feature usage to crash testing is done long before it hits the market.

I will use the new STS as a perfect example, it is a 18 month newer vehicle than the XLR and it does not yet have digital Onstar. Since it is a new design, it has a newer LAN based computer system that communicates faster than the XLR's partial LAN system. Because of this system the STS has features the XLR does not have, such a verbal commands like "all windows up".


The XLR like many vehicles has a continous improvement cycle, as updates are there, they are installed on the vehicle. The Escalade in it's new form came out in 2002, half way through the year there was a seat design upgrade. In 2004 partially through the model year the nav system changed in the CTS to a dvd based system. Many of the above items are not even available for a client to pay to have the vehicle upgraded even if they wanted to.

Regarding the upgrade availability for the XLR, availability & pricing has yet to be determined.

www.Cadillac-XLR.com (http://www.Cadillac-XLR.com)

Thank You
Allen

The digitial system should have been on the 2004 and now not on 2005!!

I work as Director of International sales for a major construction equipment manufacture.My clients would not be a happy with this solution.

To install out dated equipment on this state of the art car is shocking!!!
and then have the buyer pay for upgrade.

I hope Cadillac up grades all 2005owners for there mistake using the old system

BMW,MB,AUDI all have digtial systems for telephones

John

The more and more I read about this Onstar Digital upgrade and Us (XLR owners) having to PAY for it, the worse my stomache hurts. We buy or lease a car that is so new and hot (and it is) that: there are no GM discounts, no Employee deals, no lease loyalty, no we'll pay your first payment, nothing.

All this and we still buy. Very Happy, but still no deals.

GIVE US ONE! Please:-)

JD

OK, I have to jump in here a little bit on the phone thing...This is going to sound like I'm being paid by Cadillac but I'm not. However, I work on a very complex system and I understand the problems (perils) of integrating new hardware/software.

I don't think any of us want to pay $75K and up to be the alpha/beta testers for new technology. So that doesn't happen, each piece of equipment that goes into the XLR has a specification. It is likely there is also an interface document that specifies how the new piece of equipment interfaces with the XLR.

If a manufacturer doesn't follow those items then the new piece of equipment won't work or, even worse, works for some of its functions. In order to assure that the piece of equipment works properly, a series of tests are performed. The tests most likely start at the board level, work through the component level and then include integrated tests with the whole XLR.

I was thinking about how difficult an integrated test must be with the Onstar phone. Assuming that the phone by itself has checked-out, then how does it function with the driver information center (the analog displays the phone number to be dialed)? How does it work with the audio system (mutes properly, volume changes, etc)? How does the digital microphone work with the system (proper voltages/levels? noise cancelling understood?) How does the voice recognition system work? I could go on for a few more levels of testing...

I hope this illustrates that this isn't simply "plug in a phone". There is a lot of work that has to take place to make sure the phone plays properly with the rest of the XLR systems. Given the amount of new technology on the XLR, I'm impressed with the level of design reliability that we have seen. There have been very few (if any) "needs new firmware" service bulletins. That is a good sign!

It really doesn't surprise me that the 2004 is "digital ready". I don't know enough to comment on the 2005. BTW, it is that "design and testing work" (plus overhead/profit) that you are paying for when a digital add-on is ready.

Andy

I don't know if its digital, but my buddy's new STS has blue tooth(?)-integrated-car phone-connected-to-his-handheld technology in it as of last Saturday night--he picked up the car that day from the dealer with everything installed.

While sitting in his car, I called him on his handheld (which has blue tooth in it, also) and he was easily able to patch the call into his car's system by touching the touch-screen.

It was very wicked to behold--of course it was the ONLY thing he could brag about over the XLR.

Without a doubt, I'd still take the XLR though! :cheers

Andy,
I want to and I guess I have to go along with what you said in the last reply BUT as most everyone knows Analog is dead. It has been for a while. :(

If you still have a hand held analog cell phone and want to move to a better service rate/plan OR move to a different service company they will ALL tell you that you have to get a new phone... and if you did THAT about a year ago and moved up to the first type of digital phones you will now find that those phones are obsolete. You now have to get a third generation digital model.. They tell me that they will NOT be supporting the Analog system much longer and that the coverage area will be getting smaller and smaller as they upgrade there cell sites to newer and newer "digital" service systems.

I know this because I wanted to move to a different plan and they told me I had to buy a new phone. I just got these Motorolas 1 1/2 years ago at $249.00 each "top of the line then" but they will not work with the new systems that are out there. So I have stayed with the plan I have but again they are telling me in about another year or so this type of digital system will no be supported or will have less and less coverage also..

I guess what I am trying to say is if the anlog system is/was going OUT three years ago why did they NOT make the move to digital back then. Holding the car back one or two more months before releasing it should have done it.
It would have added just one more cutting edge accessory.

Hell there are so many things on this car that are "first" year that one more would not have been that bad and in the long run would have been better all round.

I just hope that this is an upgradeable system and it will not cost that much to change it out.

I don't mean buying a 2006 model either.. :glol
Blaise :thumbs

Blaise, actually I agree with everything you said. What I was saying is that changing it at this point is not a simple thing.

However, if you go back to 1999 or 2000 and then say, "well why aren't you starting with a digital phone when the rest of the world has one?" I can only venture to guess that GM/Onstar didn't have the digital phone far enough along at that time.

Given that the STS has a digital phone and the two designs are about 2 years apart, it seems the XLR was about 2 years too early for the Onstar phone.

Phones and cars are interesting. I believe Jaguar and Mercedez for a while were offering an integrated Motorola phone that was no longer made and then charging about $2K for the phone + installation. It is almost like manufacturers believe that no one really cares if a phone is built-in or not.

Andy

Andy,
Again I think you are right but I would hope GM will put some though into the next system and maybe make it so it will back fit to our cars. With more and more states trying to make it illegal to use hand held cell phones while driving it would make sence to make this one work better.

I know alot of people just trade in there cars to get the new whiz bang stuff on the next years cars but those things are more like power, better looks, etc. not just a phone or Nav. system.

Its a shame that GM will "or would have to" put time and money into making the "source code" not work for the DVDs movies in next year cars like Allen "Mr. XLR" has pointed out.

That money could be used to update these cars with something we all can use.. But I guess it is all because someone would "will" sue them if they could/did use the code and they have a accident. Then it would be all GM's fault not the SOB that used it...

It looks like only things that get updated on older cars are the things that can get someone hurt and/or someone could sue the company over it... If not the dealers will say well just trade it in on the new model..

With all this being said I still LOVE this car and I would buy another one if something happened to this one.. :thumbs :thumbs :thumbs

Blaise :seeya

:D :D Hi everyone. I just put a new verizon blue tooth in my NM XLR. I will give you an example of how great it is. I am walking to the car and I am talking to a friend and I have the phone to my ear and I am getting into my car and WAM! it is already connected to my car system and I am hearing the phone crystal clear through a speaker system and talking normally to a microphone that is above the mirror. WHo needs the old system. I can still call onstar for a telephone number or concierge service and use my digital system bluetooth that is connected to my little phone that I take with me everywhere. I touch a single button and it is asking me what type of call I want to make. It is just like the system in the car. I ask for a name dial and it ask me what name etc. Don't worry about when the system gets upgraded. It will and while you are waiting you can use a tremendous system that is even better since it is a mobile phone you can use outside of the car.

Nickkyle - Was this a Verizon handsfree unit for the car (ie - the car kit)?

I havea Sony Ericsson phone and have had a Bluetooth handsfree on my Acura MDX for almost a year. Works like you say. Haven't added the car kit to the XLR becasue Sony Ericsson is due to update it in the mear future to better handle (and recognize) multiple phones.

Does your mute the sound system when in use? Who installed it?

Nickkyle,
Does this phone work THRU the speakers in the car?
Did you have to add a Mic also or does it use the ones in the car?

Sure would be nice to use the phone thru the car sound system... :rolleyes :rolleyes
I don't think GM will ever upgrade this system. :cry :cry :cry

Blaise

I also have the sonyericsson bluetooth phone and am interested in the interface. Anyone know if Sprint is onboard with this?

Aviator

Hi I just joined the xlrforum and thought you could enlighten me.
I am interested in using my personal cellphone in the car on the car's speaker and microphone system rather than the OnStar phone. My phone is a Samsung and my carrier is Sprint. Are you using your own cellphone on the car's speaker and microphone system? if so, How?

My Sony Ericsson unit works through its own speaker.
I haven't seen any aftermarket unti that works through the car's systems (speaker or mike), although some can mute the stereo when a call occurs.

Not sure that the carrier makes any difference with ther handsfree unit. It is just between the phone and the handsfree unit.

The Sony Ericsson handsfree unti works well, since my phone is also Sony Ericsson. I also have a bluetooth handsfree earpiece. Both work well. You have the setup sharing with a password, so others can't tap in and you don't get someone elses phone.

If someone does fiugure out how to tap into the car speaker and mike, I'd sure like to hear about it. The aftermarket speaker is not a problem, since it is hidden, but the need for another mike, attached to the dash or the visor is not ideal.

This is the coolest deal:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pp4_loader&php=php1_10141&zone=pp&lm=pp4_1&pid=10141

Works with any bluetooth phone, 5 different users, mutes your stereo and sound emits from the stereo speakers.

I'm buying two...

Aviator

This is the coolest deal:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pp4_loader&php=php1_10141&zone=pp&lm=pp4_1&pid=10141

Works with any bluetooth phone, 5 different users, mutes your stereo and sound emits from the stereo speakers.

I'm buying two...

Aviator


Remember you'll also need the "Advanced Music Mute" for muting the XLR's standard audio during a phone call. Unfortuantely the biggest expense may be finding someone who knows how to interface the Ericcson system to the XLR's integrated A/V system. I'm still doing research...

Andy

It's not clear from the Web site what cell vendors' systems these phones are compatible with (Sprint, ATT/Singulair, Verizon, etc.)

Sonyericsson phones are GMS.

ATT/Cingular and T-Mobile are the only ones in the USA, I believe.

I could be wrong about this, but I believe Bluetooth is a somewhat standard interface. My bluetooth laptop interfaces with a mouse, a keyboard, and my PDA.

We have three Bluetooth phones: an sonyericsson phone that tags Sprint (which sucks) and two Motorolas that tag T-Mobile (which is great!). My intention is to install the first HCB-300 in the Escalade. I was going to ask the tech at Car-Toys in Humble if they could do it. If that goes well, then we'll tackle the XLR.

Andy - any hints you can provide as to where to get this done would be appreciated. So this could be tricky, eh?

So, its off into the unknown...

Will report, you decide.

Aviator

I wish you great luck... :thumbs :thumbs :thumbs
Please let me know how it works out in the XLR..
I would love to have a phone that works as great as the car it's in.. To bad GM did not think this thru for a car like this....

Blaise :flag

I could be wrong about this, but I believe Bluetooth is a somewhat standard interface. My bluetooth laptop interfaces with a mouse, a keyboard, and my PDA.

We have three Bluetooth phones: an sonyericsson phone that tags Sprint (which sucks) and two Motorolas that tag T-Mobile (which is great!). My intention is to install the first HCB-300 in the Escalade. I was going to ask the tech at Car-Toys in Humble if they could do it. If that goes well, then we'll tackle the XLR.

Andy - any hints you can provide as to where to get this done would be appreciated. So this could be tricky, eh?

So, its off into the unknown...

Will report, you decide.

Aviator


I have the phone number for a speciality shop in Houston who specializes in these types of things. Unfortunately, I can't find it right now.

The problem you run into is 1) how to get the input into the system or 2) how to auto-mute the system while the audio is sent over a separate speaker. The last diagrams/drawings I looked at weren't detailed enough to answer those questions. I did learn that for direct connect to the A/V system, you'll have to take apart the whole center console and then figure out connectors. I'm not sure I would want CarToys trying to do that.

Let me get the phone number and I'll PM you. They came highly recommended.

Bluetooth is an international standard (IEEE 802.15.1). Of course depending upon how a company implemented the standard and the underlying layers, the level of compatibility may vary.

Andy

Hello

If you discover how to get your cellphone to work using the XLR built-in mike and speakers I would appreciate letting me know.

Steve,Mr. XLR, says that it can't be done. But since we sent men to the moon there is little to which I say "it can't be done"

Jerry

Jerry,
What I said was the speakers were designed to work only with the Onstars Personal Calling system.

www.Cadillac-XLR.com (http://www.Cadillac-XLR.com)

Thank you
Allen

Anyone know if you could pay the XLR tech at the dealer to do this type of installation? I realize it might be more than the local "car stereo" shops, but might be worth it if they would do it.