Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) were introduced to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management field units in 1978 following development, test, and evaluation activities conducted jointly by the two agencies. The original configuration was designed for semi-permanent installation. Subsequently, a need for a more portable RAWS was expressed, and one was developed. The latest configuration is a truly portable, self-contained RAWS that can transmit via the GOES satellite or via the users' own radios. It contains a voice synthesizer and tells you what the weather conditions are at the station on your own radio. Possible future developments discussed include: Smaller, light versions; voice recognition circuits; data collection platforms that also transmit data.