Course in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars
Online 300-hour course in auxiliary electronics for historic cars. 6 modules covering IPC-A-610 (acceptability of electronic assemblies), IPC-7711/7721 (rework and repair of electronic assemblies) and KiCad. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars — studying from Ireland
Ireland has an active heritage vehicle and classic machinery community, supported by clubs, restoration workshops and specialist suppliers serving classic cars, motorcycles and agricultural equipment. Engineering skills in this area combine historical knowledge with modern techniques in fabrication, materials and diagnostics. Restoration work is often linked to heritage conservation and museum collections, and classic vehicles operate under national roadworthiness and vehicle registration rules. Professional bodies and enthusiast organisations help maintain standards and knowledge across the sector.
Fees for Ireland: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Is there a recognised professional body in Ireland for classic vehicle restoration?
Classic vehicle restoration in Ireland is largely a craft and hobby sector, supported by enthusiast clubs and heritage bodies rather than a regulated professional title. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so they do not confer membership or formal recognition. Check the requirements of any club or body you wish to join.
Would Irish restoration businesses or employers value this qualification?
Restoration businesses in Ireland often rely on hands-on skill, reputation and portfolio work. A private online qualification may add to your CV, but employers decide for themselves whether it is relevant. Your final project can help show your capability, though there is no guarantee of any outcome.
Can I study this part-time while keeping my current commitments?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home around existing commitments. Durations are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course, so plan your schedule accordingly. Fees can be paid in instalments, and each student has an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the auxiliary electronic systems found in historic vehicles.
Recognise the ageing modes of capacitors, solder joints and connectors.
Diagnose modules using electronic instrumentation and period schematics.
Repair circuit boards applying IPC criteria and electrostatic protection.
Decide between repair, replacement or reproduction of a module.
Design reproduction solutions that preserve the original appearance and function.
Document interventions and archive schematics for future maintenance.
Who it's for
- Electronics technician for classic vehicles who wants to specialise in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars.
- Electrician for historic automobiles who wants to specialise in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars.
- Electronic module repairer who wants to specialise in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars.
- Restorer of 1970s and 1980s vehicles who wants to specialise in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars.
- Electronic diagnostics technician who wants to specialise in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars.
- Designer of electronic reproductions who wants to specialise in Auxiliary Electronics for Historic Cars.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to join classic car restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- IPC-A-610 (acceptability of electronic assemblies)
- IPC-7711/7721 (rework and repair of electronic assemblies)
- IEC 61340-5-1 (protection against electrostatic discharge)
- ISO 16750-2 (environmental conditions, electrical loads in vehicles)
- ISO 7637-2 (electrical transients in vehicles)
- UNECE Regulation No. 10 (electromagnetic compatibility)
- Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What is considered auxiliary electronics1.2First electronic modules in the automobile1.3Electronic relays and timers1.4Regulators and ignition modules1.5Electronic instrument clusters1.6Identifying the modules in a vehicle1.7Documentation and available schematics1.8Measuring tools required1.9Workplace safety1.10Workshop: inventory of a vehicle's electronics
2.1Electrolytic capacitors2.2Resistors and their drift2.3Period semiconductors2.4Discontinued integrated circuits2.5Cold solder joints and their detection2.6Corroded tracks on the board2.7Connectors and contacts2.8Encapsulation and resins2.9Modern equivalents of components2.10Practical: inspection of an electronic board
3.1Block-based diagnostic method3.2Measuring supply and earth3.3Input and output signals3.4Oscilloscope testing3.5Input simulation3.6Isolating the module from the rest of the circuit3.7Thermal and intermittent faults3.8Interpreting results3.9Recording measurements3.10Practical: diagnosis of a faulty module
4.1Workstation and anti-static measures4.2Desoldering technique without damaging tracks4.3Component replacement4.4Track and bridge repair4.5Board cleaning4.6Protection and re-encapsulation4.7Testing after repair4.8Endurance and temperature testing4.9Documenting the repair4.10Practical: complete repair of a board
5.1Reproduction modules on the market5.2Designing a functional substitute5.3Modern electronics in an original housing5.4Compatibility with the rest of the vehicle5.5Reversibility of the replacement5.6Preservation of the original module5.7Authenticity criteria5.8Long-term reliability5.9Cost of each option5.10Practical: reversible substitute project
6.1Protection against humidity and vibration6.2Stable power supply and protection6.3Preventive maintenance of electronics6.4Archiving schematics and data6.5Photography and traceability of each repair6.6Spare parts and component stock6.7Workshop training6.8Common errors and irreversible losses6.9Documented real-world cases6.10Final project: diagnosed and documented auxiliary electronics
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is KiCad, LTspice, Saleae Logic, Fritzing, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real test bench procedures for electronic modules, diagnosis with oscilloscope and multimeter, and soldering and rework station work. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the auxiliary electronic systems found in historic vehicles.
Recognise the ageing modes of capacitors, solder joints and connectors.
Diagnose modules using electronic instrumentation and period schematics.
Repair circuit boards applying IPC criteria and electrostatic protection.
Decide between repair, replacement or reproduction of a module.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course works with KiCad, LTspice, Saleae Logic and Fritzing. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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