Abstract:
Described embodiments relate to a receiver device for controlling agricultural machinery. The receiver device comprises a receiver module for communicating with an external device; throttle control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in throttle control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of a throttle function of the machinery; ignition control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in ignition control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of an ignition function of the machinery; and auxiliary apparatus control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in auxiliary apparatus control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of an auxiliary apparatus function of the machinery. The device may control at least one of the throttle, ignition and auxiliary apparatus functions in response to control signals received at the receiver module from the external device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2015904140, entitled, “TRACTOR REMOTE CONTROL,” filed Oct. 12, 2015, naming Joshua Paul Nijam as inventor, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Described embodiments generally relate to methods and systems for the control of machinery functions. Embodiments also relate to methods of installing such systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many vehicles, such as tractors, have auxiliary machinery elements that are controlled from the driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle. For example, many tractors have a power take-off (PTO) shaft, which may be used to run a grain delivery auger, for example. The PTO must be turned on and off from the driver&#39;s seat within the cabin of the tractor, and the power to the PTO must be controlled from within the cabin, as well. However, in order to control and supervise the machinery adequately, someone is required to be outside the cabin watching the machinery when it is in operation. 
         [0004]    Often, in a farm setting, operation of such machinery requires two people—one to sit inside the cabin of the vehicle, and one to supervise from outside. In some instances, one person may be able to control and supervise the work, but this would require them to get in and out of the vehicle continually while operating the machinery. This is tiresome and can be difficult to achieve for farmers who may be elderly, or have a disability. 
         [0005]    It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with prior systems and methods relating to the control of machinery functions. 
         [0006]    Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. 
         [0007]    Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Some embodiments relate to a receiver device for controlling agricultural machinery, comprising: a receiver module for communicating with an external device; throttle control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in throttle control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of a throttle function of the machinery; ignition control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in ignition control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of an ignition function of the machinery; and auxiliary apparatus control circuitry in communication with the receiver module, configured to override a built-in auxiliary apparatus control mechanism of the machinery and allow for control of an auxiliary apparatus function of the machinery; wherein the device is configured to control at least one of the throttle function, the ignition function and the auxiliary apparatus function in response to control signals received at the receiver module from the external device. 
         [0009]    The ignition control circuitry may be configured to allow at least one ignition safety feature of the machinery to continue to operate when the built-in ignition control mechanism of the machinery is overridden. 
         [0010]    The receiver may be configured to be removably installable in the machinery. 
         [0011]    The receiver may be configured to be plugged into a wiring harness of the machinery. 
         [0012]    The receiver may be configured to be able to control at least two pieces of machinery, the at least two pieces of machinery having different idle and high idle voltages from each other. 
         [0013]    The receiver may comprise a plug having at least two sections, each section of the plug being adapted to be used with a piece of machinery having a particular idle and high idle voltage. 
         [0014]    Some embodiments relate to a kit for retrofitting to agricultural machinery comprising: the receiver device according to some embodiments described above; a transmitter device comprising: a transmitter module for communicating with the receiver module of the receiver device; throttle control circuitry configured to receive input from a user and to communicate with the transmitter module based on the input; ignition control circuitry configured to receive input from a user and to communicate with the transmitter module based on the input; and auxiliary apparatus control circuitry configured to receive input from a user and to communicate with the transmitter module based on the input. 
         [0015]    The may further comprise a wiring harness configured to be installed in the machinery, the receiver being configured to plug into the wiring harness. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Embodiments are described in further detail below, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows an example system for the remote control of machinery functions according to some embodiments; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a receiver from the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a transmitter from the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a circuit diagram of the receiver of  FIG. 2 : 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows a circuit diagram of the transmitter of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows a circuit diagram of wiring between components of the tractor and receiver of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of the receiver of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the circuit diagram of the receiver of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment of the circuit diagram of the transmitter of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    Described embodiments generally relate to methods and systems for the control of machinery functions. Embodiments also relate to methods of installing such systems. 
         [0027]    Some embodiments relate to controlling the functions of agricultural or industrial machinery and equipment, such as tractors, trucks, excavators, harvesters, planters, diggers, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, forklifts, pumps, stationary engines, engines and cranes. Some embodiments relate to remotely controlling the functions of this machinery. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows an example system  100  for controlling the functions of a tractor  110 . In some embodiments, tractor  110  may be a John Deere 6140R tractor, or a similar tractor, for example. In some embodiments, tractor  110  may be another kind of agricultural or industrial machinery, such as an excavator, harvester, planter, digger, bulldozer, loader, backhoe, forklift, pump, stationary engine, engine or crane. Tractor  110  has a number of controllable parts, which may include an auxiliary apparatus such as power take-off (PTO)  117 , throttle  118  and ignition  119 . These parts may be controllable by PTO switch  111 , throttle control  112  and ignition switch  113 , respectively. In some embodiments, PTO switch  111  may be a push-button switch, a rotatable switch, or another type of electro-mechanical switch. Throttle control  118  may be a lever or dial in some embodiments. Ignition switch  113  may be a push button switch, or a rotatable switch requiring the insertion of a key to be operated. In some embodiments, tractor  110  may have other auxiliary apparatus, such as hydraulic levers and a three-point linkage, which may be able to he controlled by system  100 . 
         [0029]    Tractor  110  has a wiring loom  114  connecting the PTO switch  111 , throttle control  112  and ignition switch  113  to an electronic control unit (ECU)  115 , which controls PTO  117 , throttle  118  and ignition  119 . Wiring loom  114  may comprise a number of cables, providing wired communication between the electrical components of tractor  110 . In the normal operation of tractor  110 , manipulating PTO switch  111  will cause the PTO  117  to turn on and off. Manipulating throttle control  112  will alter the amount of power being supplied to throttle  118 . Manipulating ignition switch  113  will control ignition  119 , to cause tractor  110  to start and stop the tractor engine. Tractor  110  may have a power supply  116  which may include a battery and an engine in some embodiments, and power supply  116  may power the operations of PTO  117 , throttle  118  and ignition  119 . 
         [0030]    According to some embodiments, tractor  110  may include a wiring harness  140  which may, in some embodiments, be installed as a retrofit to tractor  110 . Wiring harness  140  may be installed between wiring loom  114  and ECU  115 . Wiring harness  140  may be hard-wired into wiring loom  114 . Tractor  110  may be in communication with a receiver  120  through wiring harness  140 . Wiring harness  140  may comprise a socket (not shown), into which a plug  260  (see  FIG. 2 ) of receiver  120  may be able to connect, in order to allow wired communication between tractor  110  and receiver  120 . The socket and plug may comprise waterproof connectors in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a dummy plug (not shown) may be configured to plug into the socket of wiring harness  140  when plug  260  is not plugged in. In some embodiments, receiver  120  may be able to be plugged into any tractor  110  that has been installed with a wiring harness  140  as described. 
         [0031]    Receiver  120  includes a power supply  124 , which may be connected to and derive power from power supply  116  of tractor  110 . Power supply  124  may be connected to power supply  116  through a dead-man switch  160 . In this embodiment, when dead-man switch  160  is closed, receiver  120  is powered by tractor  110 . Opening dead-man switch  160  prevents power from being supplied to receiver  120 . Power supply  124  supplies power to components of receiver  120 , which may include PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123 . Dead-man switch  160  may further allow power to be supplied to warning lights  170  and rotating beacon  180 , as a safety mechanism to indicate that tractor  110  is being remotely controlled. Other visual and audible indicators, instead of or as well as warning lights  170  and rotating beacon  180 , may also be used to indicate that tractor  110  is being remotely controlled. 
         [0032]    As well as dead-man switch  160 , some embodiments may include a shut-off timer (not shown) to allow tractor  110  to be shut-off after a predetermined time period has elapsed. This may be particularly useful for when tractor  110  is being used to run pumps for irrigation purposes, for example. 
         [0033]    Receiver  120  further includes a receiver module  125 , which may be a two or four channel wireless receiver module in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, receiver module  125  may be a one, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten channel receiver. In some embodiments, receiver module  125  may have more than ten channels. For example, receiver module  125  may be an MTC-4DAO-433.920 or an MTC-2AO-433.920 by Embedded Communication Systems Ltd (ECS). In some embodiments, receiver module  125  may comprise more than one wireless receiver. 
         [0034]    Receiver module  125  is configured to send signals to PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  in some embodiments, PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  send signals through cable  250  (see  FIG. 2 ) to wiring harness  140  of tractor  110 . The signals received by wiring harness  140  may be communicated to ECU  115  in order to control PTO  117 , throttle  118  and ignition  119 . Receiver module  125  is in communication with transmitter module  135  of transmitter  130 . The communication may be wireless communication in some embodiments. 
         [0035]    Transmitter  130  has PTO control circuitry  131 , throttle control circuitry  132  and ignition control circuitry  133 , each of which may be adapted to receive user input. PTO control circuitry  131 , throttle control circuitry  132  and ignition control circuitry  133  may be configured to convert user input into electronic data signals. The electronic data signals may be communicated to transmitter module  135 , which may be a two or four channel wireless transmitter module in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, transmitter module  135  may be a one, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten channel transmitter. In some embodiments, transmitter module  135  may have more than ten channels. For example, transmitter module  135  may be an MTC-4DAI-433.920P or an MTC-2DI-433.920P by Embedded Communication Systems Ltd (ECS). In some embodiments, transmitter module  135  may comprise more than one wireless transmitter. 
         [0036]    Transmitter  130  further has a power supply such as battery  134 , and a power switch  340 . When power switch  340  is closed, battery  134  supplies power to components of transmitter  130 , which may include PTO control circuitry  131 , throttle control circuitry  132 , ignition control circuitry  133  and transmitter module  135 . Battery  134  may be a rechargeable battery, and may be configured to be connected to a battery charger  150 . Battery charger  150  may be configured to be plugged into a mains power supply or a vehicle cigarette lighter in some embodiments. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows an example receiver  120 . Receiver  120  has a housing  200  which may be of a size and shape that can be hand held. In some embodiments, housing  200  may be of a size that is too large to be hand held. Housing  200  contains the electronic components of receiver  120  including PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  ignition control circuitry  123 , and receiver module  125 . Receiver module  125  may be in communication with an antenna  210 , which may protrude from housing  200 . Receiver  120  may have a remote control indicator  220  to indicate that receiver  120  is being supplied with power through dead-man switch  160  and is controlling tractor  110 . When dead-man switch  160  is open, remote control indicator  220  may be turned off. Indicator  220  may be an LED in some embodiments. 
         [0038]    When dead-man switch  160  is open, indicator  220  may be turned off. Receiver  120  may communicate with tractor  110  to cause tractor  110  to operate in a standard way, without allowing external control of the controllable elements of tractor  110 . When switch  160  is closed, indicator  220  may be turned on. Receiver  120  may communicate with tractor  110  to cause tractor  110  to operate based on instructions received from transmitter  130 , allowing external control of the controllable elements of tractor  110 . 
         [0039]    Receiver  120  has a cable  250  in communication with a plug  260 . Cable  250  may communicate with electronic components of receiver  120  such as PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122 , ignition control circuitry  123  and power supply  124 . Plug  260  may be configured to plug into a socket (not shown) of wiring harness  140  of tractor  110 . Plug  260  may have between 20 and 100 pins, and may be a 40 pin plug in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, plug  260  may have less than 20 or more than 100 pins. Cable  250  and plug  260  may allow data signals to be sent from PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  through wiring harness  140  to ECU  115 . Plug  260  may further allow power to be supplied from power supply  116  of tractor  110  to power supply  124  of receiver  120 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows an example transmitter  130 . Transmitter  130  has a housing  300  which may be of a size and shape that can be hand held. Housing  300  contains the electronic components of transmitter  130  including PTO control circuitry  131 , throttle control circuitry  132  ignition control circuitry  133 , and transmitter module  135 . Transmitter module  135  may be in communication with an antenna  310 , which may protrude from housing  300 . Transmitter  130  may have a power switch  340  and a power indicator  330 . In some embodiments, power switch  340  may be a push-button switch, a rotatable switch, or other electro-mechanical switch, or another user interface component that allows a user to turn transmitter  130  on and off. Indicator  330  may be an LED or other visual, audible, or other indicator to indicate to a user whether transmitter  130  is on or off. 
         [0041]    Transmitter  130  has PTO switch  350 . PTO switch  350  may be in communication with PTO control circuitry  131 , and may allow a user to remotely turn on and off PTO  117  of tractor  110 . In some embodiments PTO switch  350  may be a push-button switch, rotatable switch or toggle switch, and in some embodiments may be a missile switch or other covered switch to prevent inadvertent toggling. 
         [0042]    Transmitter  130  further has an ignition switch  360 . In some embodiments, ignition switch  130  may be a push button switch, toggle switch, or a rotatable switch requiring the insertion of a key to be operated. Ignition switch  130  may allow a user to remotely start tractor  110  by allowing control of ignition  119 . In some embodiments, ignition switch  130  may be a rotatable switch having multiple positions, such as “Off”, “Ignition” and “Start” positions. Transmitter  130  may have indicators to indicate to a user the position of ignition switch  130 . For example, transmitter  130  may have an ignition indicator  362  and a start indicator  364 . Indicators  362  may be LEDs in some embodiments, and may be of different colours. In some embodiments, indicators  362  and  364  may both be off when ignition switch  130  is in the “Off” position. If ignition switch  130  is turned to the “Ignition” position, ignition indicator  362  may turn on. If ignition switch  130  is switched to the “Start” position, start indicator  364  may turn on. 
         [0043]    Transmitter  130  also has a throttle dial  370 , which may be a lever or dial in some embodiments. Throttle dial  370  may allow a user to control throttle  118  of tractor  110 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, where tractor  110  may have other controllable parts, such as hydraulic levers and a three-point linkage, transmitter  130  may have further user-adjustable controls to allow a user to control each of the controllable functions. 
         [0045]    Transmitter  130  has a power plug socket  380  to accept a battery recharger  150  to allow for battery  134  to be charged. Socket  380  may be a USB or mini-USB socket in some embodiments. In some embodiments, socket  380  may be a 12 V jack. Battery recharger  150  may be configured to plug into mains power in some embodiments. In some embodiments, battery recharger  150  may be configured to plug into a cigarette lighter of a vehicle such as tractor  110 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a circuit diagram  400  of the electrical components of receiver  120 . Receiver  120  includes receiver module  125 , connected to antenna  210 . Receiver module  125  receives data signals from antenna  210  and outputs data signals to PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  through outputs  401  to  410 . Outputs from PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  are passed to plug  260  which connects to wiring harness  140 , to enable control of tractor  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, one receiver module  125  is shown, but in some embodiments a different number of receiver modules, such as two, three, four, five, or more, may be used. 
         [0047]    Receiver  120  has a power supply  124  connected to plug  260  to receive power from power supply  116  of tractor  110 . Receiver  120  also has power indicator  220  powered by power supply  124  when power supply  124  is receiving power from power supply  116 . Power indicator  220  is a red LED in the illustrated embodiment, but may be a different coloured LED, or another type of visual, audible, or other indicator in some embodiments. Power supply  124  supplies power to positive supply channel  405  of receiver module  125 . Negative supply channel  406 , as well as negative output channels  404 ,  408  and  410  of receiver module  125  are connected to Earth. Power supply  124  powers relays  413 ,  416 ,  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423  when power supply  124  receives power from power supply  116  through dead-man switch  160 . Although power is supplied to these relays, no action will result due to the relays not being connected to Earth. 
         [0048]    PTO control circuitry  121  may receive PTO control signals from AN2+ channel  403  of receiver module  125 . PTO circuitry  121  may include PTO indicator  411 , which may be an LED in some embodiments. PTO indicator  411  may be internal of the receiver housing  200  in some embodiments, and only visible when housing  200  is removed, for troubleshooting purposes. In some other embodiments, PTO indicator  411  may be located outside housing  200  and visible to a user. PTO indicator  411  may be turned on when a PTO control signal is received by receiver module  125  to indicate that PTO  117  is to be turned on. The PTO control signal may be output through AN2+ channels  403  of receiver module  125  and pass through PTO indicator  411 . The signal may then pass through an octocoupler  412  to electrically isolate the receiver module  125  and to prevent back feeding of high voltages from tractor  110 . 
         [0049]    The PTO control signal may pass through PTO engage relay  413 , which is activated by a signal from power supply  124 . When PTO engage relay  413  is activated, the PTO control signal may cause switches  414  and  415  to switch. Signals from switches  414  and  415  are supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ECU  115  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . ECU  115  then causes PTO  117  to turn on or off based on the signal received. 
         [0050]    Throttle control circuitry  122  may receive throttle control signals from AN1+ and AN1− channels  401  and  402  of receiver module  125 . The throttle control signal may pass through throttle control relay  416 , which is activated by a signal from power supply  124 . When throttle engage relay  416  is activated, switches  417  and  418  may be caused to switch, allowing the throttle control signal to be supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ECU  115  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . ECU  115  then causes throttle  118  to be controlled based on the signal received. 
         [0051]    Ignition control circuitry  123  may receive ignition and start control signals from D1+ and D2+ channels  407  and  409  of receiver module  125 . D1+ channel  407  may provide the ignition control signal, and D2+ channel  409  may provide the start control signal. The ignition control signal may pass to ignition control relays  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423 , which are powered by a signal from power supply  124 . The ignition control signal causes Earth to be supplied to relays ignition control relays  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423 , which causes these relays to be activated. 
         [0052]    When ignition control relays  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423  are activated, the ignition control signal may be supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ignition  119  of tractor  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The ignition control signals may then cause ignition  119  to be turned on and off based on the signal received. 
         [0053]    The start control signal may cause Earth to be supplied to start control relay  419 , which is powered by a signal from ignition control relay  420 . When start control relays  419  is activated, the start control signal may be supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ignition  119  of tractor  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The ignition control signals may then cause ignition  119  to start tractor  110  based on the signal received. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows a circuit diagram  500  of the electrical components of transmitter  130 . Transmitter  130  includes transmitter modules  135 , connected to antennae  310 . Transmitter modules  135  transmit data signals using antennae  310  based on data signals received from PTO control circuitry  131 , throttle control circuitry  132  and ignition control circuitry  133  through outputs  501  to  512 . In the illustrated embodiment, two transmitter modules  135  are shown, but in some embodiments a different number of transmitter modules, such as one, three, four, five, or more, may be used. 
         [0055]    Transmitter  130  has a power supply  134  which may be a 12 V battery in some embodiments. In some embodiments, power supply  134  may alternatively be two 9 V batteries, four AA batteries, or another combination of batteries. Battery  134  may be a rechargeable battery and may be able to be connected to a 12 V charger  150  in some embodiments. Transmitter  130  also has power indicator  330  powered by power supply  134  when power switch  340  is closed. Power indicator  330  may be an LED or another type of visual, audible, or other indicator. Power supply  134  supplies power to positive supply channels  505  and  511  of transmitter modules  135 . Negative supply channels  506  and  512 , as well as negative signal channels  502 ,  504 ,  508  and  510  of transmitter module  135  are connected to ground. Power supply  134  may also supply power to PTO control circuitry  132 , throttle control circuitry  132  and ignition control circuitry  133 . 
         [0056]    PTO control circuitry  131  may produce a PTO control signal that is passed to AN2+ input channel  503  of transmitter module  135 . PTO control circuitry  131  may include a PTO switch  350 , which may be controllable by a user. Closing PTO switch  350  may allow a regulated voltage signal to be passed to input channel  503 , which transmitter module  135  may pass to receiver module  125  as a signal to turn PTO  117  on. Opening PTO switch  350  may prevent the signal from being passed to input channel  503 , causing PTO  117  to turn off. 
         [0057]    Throttle control circuitry  132  may produce a throttle control signal that is passed to AN1+ input channel  501  of transmitter module  135 . Throttle control circuitry may include a throttle dial  370  which may be a potentiometer  513  in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, throttle dial may be another dial, lever, or control means. In the illustrated embodiments, the throttle control signal is varied based on the resistance of potentiometer  513 . By increasing and decreasing the resistance of potentiometer  513  using throttle dial  370 , throttle  118  of tractor  110  may be varied. 
         [0058]    Ignition control circuitry  133  may produce ignition and start control signals that are passed to D1+ and D2+ input channels  507  and  509 . Ignition control circuitry  133  may include an ignition switch  360 , which may be a key operated switch having three positions. In a first “Off” position, ignition switch  360  may be open, so that no signal is supplied to D1+ and D2+ input channels  507  and  509 . In a second “Ignition” position, switch  360  may be partially closed, allowing a signal to travel to D1+ input  507 , causing ignition indicator  362  to turn on, but not allowing a signal to pass to D2+ input  509 . In a third “Start” position, switch  360  may be fully closed, allowing a signal to travel to D1+ input  507 , causing ignition indicator  362  to turn on, and allowing a signal to travel to D2+ input  509 , causing start indicator  364  to turn on. By turning switch  360  to the “Off”, “Ignition” and “Start” positions, ignition  119  of tractor  110  may be controlled. 
         [0059]      FIG. 6  shows a circuit diagram  600  of some of the electrical components of tractor  110  interfacing with the electronics  400  of receiver  120 . Circuitry  121 ,  122  and  123  of receiver  120  connect to the electronic components of tractor  110  through wiring harness  140 . Dead-man switch  160  controls the supply of power to receiver  120  from power supply  116  of tractor  110 , allowing for power to be selectively supplied to relays within receiver  120 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0060]    PTO control circuitry  121  interfaces to PTO switch  111  and ECU  115  of tractor  110  through wiring harness  140 . When dead-man switch  160  is open, PTO switch  111  of tractor  110  is connected to ECU  115  of tractor  110 , allowing PTO  117  to be controlled directly through the tractor  110  controls. PTO switch  111  may allow 12 V to be supplied to PTO  117 , in order to activate PTO  117 . When dead-man switch  160  is closed, ECU  115  receives signals from receiver  120 , as received from transmitter  130  allowing remote control of PTO  117 . Depending on the signal receiver, ECU  115  will be caused to supply 12 V to PTO  117 , or to disconnect the 12 V supply. 
         [0061]    Throttle control circuitry  122  interfaces to throttle control  112  and ECU  115  of tractor  110  through wiring, harness  140 . When dead-man switch  160  is open, throttle control  112  of tractor  110  is connected to ECU  115  of tractor  110 , allowing throttle  118  to be controlled directly through the tractor  110  controls. Throttle  118  may be controlled based on the voltage supplied from throttle control  112 . For example, if 0 V are supplied, tractor  110  may idle, and a supply of 5 V may cause tractor  110  to high idle. The engine speed of tractor  110  may be dependent on the voltage supplied. When dead-man switch  160  is closed, ECU  115  receives signals from receiver  120 , as received from transmitter  130 , allowing remote control of throttle  118 . The frequency of the signals received correspond to the amount of power supplied to throttle  118 . 
         [0062]    Different makes and models of tractor  110  may have different idle and high idle voltages. For example, in some embodiments, tractor  110  may idle at 0.5 V and have a high idle position of 4 V. In some other embodiments, tractor  110  may idle at 0.25 V and have a high idle position of 2 V. In some embodiments, receiver  120  may be configured to work with a variety of different tractors having a variety of idle and high idle voltages. Plug  260  of receiver  120  may be wired to allow for multiple voltage tractors, by having multiple sets of pins that can be plugged into wiring harness  160 . By plugging wiring harness  160  to the connect set of pins in plug  260 , multiple tractors having wiring harness  160  installed can be configured to use the same receiver  120 . For example, for a 20 pin socket on wiring harness  160 , a 40 pin plug  260  can be provided. The first 20 pins of socket  260  may be configured to provide 0.5 V to 4 V, while the remaining 20 pins may be configured to provide 0.25 V to 2 V. 
         [0063]    Ignition control circuitry  123  interfaces to ignition  119  of tractor  110  through wiring harness  140 . When dead-man switch  160  is open, ignition switch  113  of tractor  110  controls ignition  119 . When dead-man switch  160  is closed, power is directed to receiver  120 , allowing remote control of ignition  119  while ignition switch  113  of tractor  110  remains in an “Off” position. If an emergency stop of tractor  110  is required, dead-man switch  110  can be pressed to cut power to receiver  120 , or ignition switch  360  of transmitter  130  could be switched to the “Off” position. 
         [0064]    When dead-man switch  160  is closed, power is directed from power supply  116  of tractor  110  through dead-man switch  160  and to relays  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423  of receiver  120  as described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . Relays  420 ,  421 ,  422  and  423  may be configured to allow control signals to be sent to ignition  119  to supply power to various components of tractor  110 . Relay  420  may send a control signal to input ACC  604  of ignition  119  to control accessories of tractor  110 , and power to relay  419 . Relay  421  may send a control signal to a tractor rotating beacon  180  to indicate that the tractor is being remotely controlled. Relay  422  may send a control signal to tractor warning lights  170  to further indicate that the tractor is being remotely controlled. Relay  423  may send a control signal to inputs ELX  602  and IGN  603  of ignition  119  to control the electronics and ignition of tractor  110 . Relay  419  may send a control signal to input START  601  of ignition  119  to control starting on tractor  110 . 
         [0065]    By connecting directly to ignition  119 , the overriding remote control functions provided by receiver  120  are subject to all of the existing safety switches present in tractor  110 . For example, tractor  110  may have safety mechanisms that prevent the tractor from being started if the gear levers (not shown) are in gear. Tractor  110  might require that it is in Neutral or Park in order to be started. By connecting receiver  120  to ignition  119 , these safety measures are retained, even when controlling the tractor remotely through transmitter  130 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of receiver  120 . In the illustrated alternative embodiment, receiver  120  has a housing  700  which may be of a size and shape that can be hand held. Housing  700  contains PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  ignition control circuitry  123 , and receiver module  125 . Receiver module  125  may be in communication with an antenna  710 , which may protrude from housing  700 . Receiver  120  may have a switch  740 , which may be a rotatable switch having two positions. The switch may be movable between “local” and “remote” positions. Receiver  120  may have a local indicator  720  and a remote indicator  730 . Indicators  720  and  730  may be LEDs in some embodiments. In some cases, indicator  720  may be of a different colour from indicator  730 . 
         [0067]    When switch  740  is moved to the “local” position, indicator  720  is turned on, and indicator  730  is turned off. Receiver  120  communicates with tractor  110  to cause tractor  110  to operate in a standard way, without allowing external control of the controllable elements of tractor  110 . When switch  740  is moved to the “remote” position, indicator  730  may be turned on and indicator  720  may be turned off. Receiver  120  may communicate with tractor  110  to cause tractor  110  to operate based on instructions received from transmitter  130 , allowing external control of the controllable elements of tractor  110 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative circuit diagram  800  of the electrical components of receiver  120 . As described above with reference to  FIG. 4 , receiver  120  includes receiver module  125 , connected to antenna  210 . Receiver module  125  receives data signals front antenna  210  and outputs data signals to PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  through outputs  801  to  810 . Outputs from PTO control circuitry  121 , throttle control circuitry  122  and ignition control circuitry  123  are passed to plug  260  which connects to wiring harness  140 , to enable control of tractor  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, one receiver module  125  is shown, but in some embodiments a different number of receiver modules, such as two, three, four, five, or more, may be used. 
         [0069]    Receiver  120  also has a power supply  124  connected to plug  260  to receive power from power supply  116  of tractor  110 . Receiver  120  also has power indicator  220  powered by power supply  124  when power supply  124  is receiving power from power supply  116 . Power indicator  220  is a red LED in the illustrated embodiment, but may be a different coloured LED, or another type of visual, audible, or other indicator in some embodiments. Power supply  124  supplies power to positive supply channel  805  of receiver module  125 . Negative supply channel  806 , as well as negative output channels  804 ,  808  and  810  of receiver module  125  are connected to Earth. Power supply  124  powers relays  813 ,  816 ,  820 ,  821 ,  822  and  823  when power supply  124  receives power from power supply  116  through dead-man switch  160 . Although power is supplied to these relays, no action will result due to the relays not being connected to Earth. 
         [0070]    PTO control circuitry  121  may receive PTO control signals from D1+ channel  803  of receiver module  125 . PTO circuitry  121  may include PTO indicator  811 , which may be an LED in some embodiments. PTO indicator  811  may be internal of the receiver housing  200  in some embodiments, and only visible when housing  200  is removed, for troubleshooting purposes. In some other embodiments, PTO indicator  811  may be located outside housing  200  and visible to a user. PTO indicator  811  may be turned on when a PTO control signal is received by receiver module  125  to indicate that PTO  117  is to be turned on. The PTO control signal may be output through D1+ channels  803  of receiver module  125  and pass through PTO indicator  811 . 
         [0071]    The PTO control signal may pass through PTO engage relay  813 , which is activated by a signal from power supply  124 . When PTO engage relay  813  is activated, the PTO control signal may cause switches  814  and  815  to switch. Signals from switches  814  and  815  are supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ECU  115  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . ECU  115  then causes PTO  117  to turn on or off based on the signal received. 
         [0072]    Throttle control circuitry  122  may receive throttle control signals from AN1+ and AN1− channels  801  and  802  of receiver module  125 . The throttle control signals may control a potentiometer  812 , the output of which is varied based on the resistance of potentiometer  813 . By increasing and decreasing the resistance of potentiometer  813 , throttle  118  of tractor  110  may be varied. 
         [0073]    The throttle control signal may further pass through an operational amplifier  824 , which may be an LM358 operational amplifier in some embodiments. Throttle control relay  816  may be activated by a signal from power supply  124 . When throttle engage relay  816  is activated, switches  817  and  818  may be caused to switch, allowing the signal from operational amplifier  824  to be supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ECU  115  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . ECU  115  then causes throttle  118  to be controlled based on the signal received. 
         [0074]    Ignition control circuitry  123  may receive ignition and start control signals from D2+ and D3+ channels  807  and  809  of receiver module  125 . D2+ channel  807  may provide the ignition control signal, and D3+ channel  809  may provide the start control signal. The ignition control signal may pass to ignition control relays  820 ,  821 ,  822  and  823 , which are powered by a signal from power supply  124 . The ignition control signal causes Earth to be supplied to relays ignition control relays  820 ,  821 ,  822  and  823 , which causes these relays to be activated. 
         [0075]    When ignition control relays  820 ,  821 ,  822  and  823  are activated, the ignition control signal may be supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ignition  119  of tractor  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The ignition control signals may then cause ignition  119  to be turned on and off based on the signal received. 
         [0076]    The start control signal may cause Earth to be supplied to start control relay  819 , which is powered by a signal from ignition control relay  820 . When start control relays  819  is activated, the start control signal may be supplied through plug  260  to wiring harness  140 , and to ignition  119  of tractor  110  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The ignition control signals may then cause ignition  119  to start tractor  110  based on the signal received. 
         [0077]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative circuit diagram  900  of the electrical components of transmitter  130 . Transmitter  130  includes transmitter module  135 , connected to antennae  310 . Transmitter module  135  transmits data signals using antennae  310  based on data signals received from PTO control circuitry  131 , throttle control circuitry  132  and ignition control circuitry  133  through outputs  901  to  911 . In the illustrated embodiment, one transmitter module  135  are shown, but in some embodiments a different number of transmitter modules, such as two, three, four, five, or more, may be used. 
         [0078]    Transmitter  130  has a power supply  134  which may be two 9 V batteries in some embodiments. In some embodiments, power supply  134  may alternatively be a 12 V battery, four AA batteries, or another combination of batteries. Battery  134  may be a rechargeable battery and may be able to be connected to a 12 V charger  150  in some embodiments. Transmitter  130  also has power indicator  330  powered by power supply  134  when power switch  340  is closed. Power indicator  330  may be an LED or another type of visual, audible, or other indicator. Power supply  134  supplies power to positive supply channel  910 . Negative supply channel  911 , as well as negative signal channels  905 ,  907  and  911  of transmitter module  135  are connected to ground. Power supply  134  may also supply power to PTO control circuitry  132 , throttle control circuitry  132  and ignition control circuitry  133 . 
         [0079]    PTO control circuitry  131  may produce a PTO control signal that is passed to D1+ input channel  904  of transmitter module  135 . PTO control circuitry  131  may include a PTO switch  350 , which may be controllable by a user. Closing PTO switch  350  may allow a voltage signal to be passed to input channel  904 , which transmitter module  135  may pass to receiver module  125  as a signal to turn PTO  117  on. Opening PTO switch  350  may prevent the signal from being passed to input channel  905 , causing PTO  117  to turn off. 
         [0080]    Throttle control circuitry  132  may produce a throttle control signal that is passed to AN1+ input channel  902  of transmitter module  135 . Throttle control circuitry may include a throttle dial  370  which may be a potentiometer  913  in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, throttle dial may be another dial, lever, or control means. In the illustrated embodiments, the throttle control signal is varied based on the resistance of potentiometer  913 , based on a reference voltage supplied through Vref channel  901 . By increasing and decreasing the resistance of potentiometer  913  using throttle dial  370 , throttle  118  of tractor  110  may be varied. 
         [0081]    Ignition control circuitry  133  may produce ignition and start control signals that are passed to D2+ and D3+ input channels  906  and  908 . Ignition control circuitry  133  may include an ignition switch  360 , which may be a key operated switch having three positions. In a first “Off” position, ignition switch  360  may be open, so that no signal is supplied to D2+ and D3+ input channels  906  and  908 . In a second “Ignition” position, switch  360  may be partially closed, allowing a signal to travel to D2+ input  906 , causing ignition indicator  362  to turn on, but not allowing a signal to pass to D3+ input  908 . In a third “Start” position, switch  360  may be fully closed, allowing a signal to travel to D2+ input  906 , causing ignition indicator  362  to turn on, and allowing a signal to travel to D3+ input  908 , causing start indicator  364  to turn on. By turning switch  360  to the “Off”. “Ignition” and “Start” positions, ignition  119  of tractor  110  may be controlled. 
         [0082]    The alternative electronic diagrams  800  and  900  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  allow for transmitter  130  to be of a smaller size, making it more easy to handle, by removing some electronic components from transmitter  130 , and placing additional electronic components in receiver  120 . 
         [0083]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.