TAFE TEACHERS GO BACK TO SCHOOL
Recently, TAFE Queensland Gold Coast and TAFE SkillsTech Brisbane Auto Electrical teachers attended a full-day professional development session with the IONNIC Technical Systems team, hosted at IONNIC’s head office in Archerfield, Brisbane.
The training focused on emerging auto electrical and electronic ancillary fitting technologies—now integral to vehicles across sectors such as mining, agriculture, and emergency services. As modern vehicles increasingly rely on CANBUS (Controller Area Network Binary Unit System) and J1939 communication networks rather than traditional wiring, the need for educators to remain at the cutting edge has never been greater.
IONNIC is a market leader in automotive safety and warning systems, and their training showcased how CANBUS signals can be interfaced with programmable electronic relays to control a wide range of accessories and automated functions. These systems are now common place in Australian fire service appliances and mine-spec vehicles, ensuring that OEM wiring remains intact while allowing for tailored accessory integration.
A highlight of the collaboration was the design and development of a custom-built multi-use simulation tester for TAFE Queensland Gold Coast. This unique training tool allows students to safely collect, interpret, and program CANBUS data just as they would in a real vehicle—without risking damage to communication circuits or components. The simulator represents a significant advancement in the practical delivery of auto electrical training and will be used across Queensland’s TAFE automotive programs.
As many technicians know, even simple installations—like a LED light bar or handbrake warning system—now require an interface with a vehicle’s communication network. IONNIC’s technology simplifies this process, making their products invaluable to modern workshops.
During the session, the TAFE teachers worked through CANBUS theory, software applications, and hands-on programming of modules in test vehicles. The IONNIC team, including company founder and respected Queensland Auto Electrician Norman Haupt, shared their expertise and provided a behind-the-scenes tour of AEI’s impressive warehouse and distribution facilities.
