System Cost

For a list of current materials and tools needed for a 3D-PAWS, follow this link:

Materials and Tools | 3D-PAWS Manual

A summary of the cost (USD) of implementing a 3D-PAWS system is shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Approximate costs of building a 3D-PAWS weather station network.

Component	Estimated Cost (USD)
Setup cost to build 3D-printed weather stations (3D printer, tools, supplies)	$800/3D-Printer (2-3 recommended for large networks) $700/tools & supplies
Mounting frame (PVC pipe, connectors, brackets, mounting pole, concrete)	$100/site
Data Logger, SD card, and power cable	$50/site
Micro-sensors for temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, light, and precipitation	$100/site
3D-printed plastic filament for instrument housing	$50/site
Power	Commercial power: minimal cost Solar power/battery system: $50-150/site
Communications	Direct connection: minimal cost Wireless USB: minimal cost Cell modem: $15/site*

*Doesn’t include monthly service costs.

The original 3D-PAWS design included 3D printed components for all the housings, cable connectors, and wire harnesses. To simplify assembly, the new design uses ready made cables, cable junctions and connector “hats”, manufactured by companies such as Seeed Studios and Sparkfun. If you would like to continue using the old connector system, please contact us for the 3D files.

The designs of the components were created using open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software. A project goal is to make these designs an open-source resource so other institutions and educational programs can use and adapt the designs to meet their needs for research, operations, and/or education and outreach.