Abstract: A pipe handling system control apparatus is disclosed which includes a remote control that outputs a throttle signal to control speed of movement of a trough of the pipe handling apparatus. A position sensor outputs a position of the trough of the pipe handling apparatus, and a controller receives the output of the position sensor and limits the throttle signal from the remote control based on the output of the position sensor. The controller may receive the signal from the position sensor indicating the trough is within a predefined pocket and limit the throttle signal when the trough is within the pocket. The controller may limit the throttle signal, for example, to 18 percent of full throttle when the trough is within the pocket. The position sensor may include a cable pull sensor having an encoder that outputs a signal representative of a position of the trough.