> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://3dpaws.comet.ucar.edu/other-3d-paws-resources/3d-paws-station-variants.md).

# 3D-PAWS Station Variants

### Overview

In addition to the standard 3D-PAWS configuration, several station variants are available for applications that prioritize specific measurements, simplified deployment, or rapid mobility.

These variants use the same general 3D-PAWS design philosophy while modifying the sensor suite, mounting system, or communications configuration for a particular use case.

***

#### FEWS NET Station

The **Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) station** is a simplified 3D-PAWS configuration designed to support rainfall and temperature monitoring for drought and food-security applications.

**Key Features**

* two rain gauges for redundancy and comparison
* multiple temperature measurements
* relative humidity measurement
* simplified sensor configuration
* reduced assembly and installation complexity
* no wind sensors
* no light or solar radiation sensor

The dual rain gauge configuration allows precipitation measurements to be cross-checked and can help identify problems with an individual gauge.

This configuration reduces the number of instruments that must be assembled, installed, and maintained while retaining the measurements most important for FEWS NET applications.

{% hint style="info" %}
The FEWS NET station still uses a **radiation shield** for temperature and relative humidity measurements. The omitted instrument is the separate light or solar-radiation sensor, not the radiation shield.
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MyYhBzKAJBn9qHZrckqOTpJipungMzpG/view?usp=sharing>" %}

***

#### Upgraded FEWS NET Station

The **Upgraded FEWS NET station** builds on the rainfall-focused FEWS NET configuration by adding wind measurements.

This configuration provides:

* two rain gauges
* temperature measurements
* relative humidity
* wind speed
* wind direction

The upgraded configuration may be appropriate when an existing FEWS NET station needs additional meteorological measurements without being converted to the full standard 3D-PAWS configuration.

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nPxa-daAdosGXO0brknbfZohOVw6EHS4/view?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1>" %}

***

#### Rapid Deployment 3D-PAWS

The **Rapid Deployment 3D-PAWS (RD3D-PAWS)** is designed for temporary or mobile monitoring where a station may need to be installed, relocated, or removed quickly.

Instead of a fixed post, the station is mounted on a folding tripod. Instruments are attached to pre-assembled mounting arms with the required cables and connectors already in place.

The central harness and data logger remain attached to the tripod during transport, reducing the amount of assembly required at the deployment site.

**Key Features**

* folding tripod mounting system
* pre-assembled instrument arms
* prewired central harness
* rapid setup and removal
* portable configuration
* suitable for temporary or emergency monitoring

On-site assembly can typically be completed in **less than 10 minutes** when the system has been properly pre-assembled and prepared for deployment. :contentReference\[oaicite:2]{index=2}

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mZD6lToqhRbtigm8eCrbrtb4XMO8bc3D/edit?ouid=102244773211795243299&rtpof=true&sd=true&usp=sharing>" %}

***

#### Choosing a Station Configuration

Select the station configuration based on the measurements required, deployment environment, available infrastructure, and operational needs.

| Configuration                 | Primary Use                                          |
| ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Standard 3D-PAWS**          | General-purpose weather and environmental monitoring |
| **FEWS NET Station**          | Rainfall- and temperature-focused monitoring         |
| **Upgraded FEWS NET Station** | FEWS NET monitoring with added wind measurements     |
| **Rapid Deployment 3D-PAWS**  | Temporary, mobile, or rapidly deployable monitoring  |

{% hint style="info" %}
Station variants may require different firmware, wiring, or assembly procedures. Use the documentation associated with the specific configuration being deployed.
{% endhint %}


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