# 3D-PAWS Station Variants

### Overview

In addition to the standard 3D-PAWS configuration, several **specialized station designs** are available to support specific operational needs, deployment environments, and partner requirements.

These variants modify the standard station design to prioritize:

* specific environmental variables
* faster deployment
* simplified assembly and training
* distributed or emergency monitoring

This page provides an overview of the primary 3D-PAWS station variants.

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### FEWS NET Station (Rainfall-Focused)

The **FEWS NET station** is a simplified version of 3D-PAWS designed to support **drought and food security monitoring**.

This configuration prioritizes rainfall and temperature measurements while reducing system complexity.

#### Key Features

* **Two rain gauges** for redundancy and data validation
* **Multiple temperature sensors**
* **Relative humidity sensor** for heat stress monitoring
* **No wind or radiation sensors** (to simplify deployment)

The dual rain gauge design allows for:

* cross-checking rainfall measurements
* improved data reliability in operational networks

This design reduces:

* training requirements
* build time
* installation complexity

while still capturing the **most critical variables for FEWS NET applications**.

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10y1e6f15sC-JrQCVOOQYIhWDNhaq1TFO/view?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1>" %}

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### FEWS NET Station (Upgraded with Wind)

The **Upgraded FEWS NET station** builds on the standard FEWS NET design by adding wind measurements.

#### Key Features

* All features of the FEWS NET station
* **Wind speed and wind direction sensors**
* Maintains dual rain gauge configuration

This version is used when:

* additional atmospheric context is required
* a transition toward a **full meteorological station** is desired

The design maintains the **simplicity of the FEWS NET system** while expanding measurement capability.

{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NktYF-c1gHY1LAOuWJY9-kmDrjqBvuur/view?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1>" %}

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### Rapid Deployment Station (RD-3D-PAWS)

The **Rapid Deployment 3D-PAWS (RD-3D-PAWS)** is designed for situations where stations must be installed quickly and moved easily.

Unlike standard stations, this version is mounted on a **portable tripod system** instead of a fixed post.

#### Key Features

* **Tripod-mounted system** for portability
* **Pre-assembled sensor arms and wiring harness**
* **Centralized data logger mounted on the tripod**
* **Fast setup and teardown**

Field deployment characteristics:

* setup time: **less than 10 minutes**
* rapid disassembly for relocation or emergency evacuation

This design enables:

* temporary monitoring campaigns
* emergency response deployments
* mobile or short-term observation networks

The station can be transported fully assembled, with sensors and cables pre-configured for quick installation.

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

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### When to Use Each Variant

| Variant                 | Best Use Case                                          |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Standard 3D-PAWS**    | Full meteorological monitoring with all core sensors   |
| **FEWS NET**            | Drought, rainfall, and food security monitoring        |
| **FEWS NET (Upgraded)** | Rainfall-focused networks with added wind measurements |
| **Rapid Deployment**    | Temporary, mobile, or emergency deployments            |