Analog or digital ground station for fibre-optic FPV drones
09.11.2026
By Ptashka Drones Editorial Team
A fibre-optic drone only works together with a ground station. It receives video over the fibre, sends controller commands and connects the operator to the drone. Ptashka Drones supplies two options: analog and digital. Below we explain how they differ, what each kit contains and how to choose a station for your drone.
In short: analog or digital
| Analog station | Digital station | |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Fiber Krab ZOO PRO unit | Ground module and laptop |
| Controller | Radiomaster TX15 with battery | Controller, quantity per specification |
| Drone microphone | No | Yes |
| Video recording | DVR module and 64 GB SD card | Confirm in the specification |
| Fibre checks | Connector cleaner, attenuator | Reflectometer, quantity per specification |
| Power | 2 × 6S2P batteries, dual-channel chargers | Charger, quantity per specification |
What to choose for the task
- You need a simple standalone station in the field. The analog station has its own unit, controller and batteries, so no computer is needed.
- You need a sharper picture. The digital chain works with the Ptashka Full HD 1920×1080, 60 FPS digital camera, available on the 10-O and 17-O.
- Sound matters. Only the digital drone version has a microphone. In an ambush it helps to hear vehicles before they are visible.
- You already have a station and need only a drone. The ground station is also sold separately, so a unit can buy just what is missing. Before ordering, check that the station matches the drone's signal type.
What the analog station includes
| Group | Contents |
|---|---|
| Control | Fiber Krab ZOO PRO unit, protective case, spare parts kit, Radiomaster TX15 controller with battery, cable set |
| Optics | SC-SC patch cords of 100 m and 1–5 m, 1–3 m SC-LC and SC-FC adapters, SC/UPC and SC/FC adapters, FC-FC connectors, printed connection retainer, 6–10 dB attenuator |
| Maintenance | Cleaner Pen 2.5 mm connector cleaner |
| Recording and power | DVR module, 64 GB SD card, 2 × 6S2P batteries, 2 dual-channel chargers |
What the digital station includes
- laptop;
- ground module and JR module;
- optical extension patch cord;
- USB/RJ-45 adapter and Ethernet patch cord;
- transport case.
The controller, reflectometer and charger are supplied depending on the order. The exact quantity of each item is agreed with the customer in the specification. This applies to both stations.
Why fibre accessories matter
- Connector cleaner. Dust on the fibre end face degrades the signal, so the connector is cleaned before each connection.
- Attenuator. Reduces optical signal power if it is too high for the receiver.
- Reflectometer. Shows whether the line has a break or heavy attenuation and helps locate the problem.
- Long patch cord. The 100 m SC-SC cord lets you separate the station from the drone's launch point.
Which station fits Ptashka drones
The 10-O, 13-O and 15-O and 17-O come in analog and digital versions. The station type is chosen by the drone's signal type. The drones themselves are compared in which Ptashka FPV drone to choose, and how to choose a fibre-optic spool helps with fibre length.
Frequently asked questions
Can a ground station be bought separately from the drone?
Yes. The station can be supplied separately as a standalone product.
How does the analog station differ from the digital one?
The analog station is built around the Fiber Krab ZOO PRO unit and works without a computer. The digital station consists of a ground module and a laptop and works with the digital drone version.
Does a fibre-optic drone have sound?
The digital version of Ptashka drones has a microphone. The analog version does not.
Why clean optical connectors?
Dust on the fibre end face degrades signal transmission. That is why connectors are cleaned before connecting, and a Cleaner Pen is included in the analog kit.
Need advice on a station? Contact us and a Ptashka engineer will put together a kit for your drones.
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