Abstract: A system and method for converting onboard battery-powered, free-flight drones into ground-powered tethered drones that overcome the impediments designed into safeguarded free-flight drones. In combination with a ground-sourced power supply for the drone, power being delivered to the drone through a tether, the system comprises a battery emulating module that provides false signals to the drone's battery circuit board such that the onboard batteries may be removed and the alternative ground-based power source utilized without causing the drone's main circuit board to initiate a systems shutdown.