Idea: a 'light' version without the sensor itself?

[wrobelda]

There seems to be a highly-rated soil moisture sensor that comes readily available on Aliexpress for as little as 0.40 USD:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32832538686

Would it make sense to design a version of b-parasite that would only come with the circuitry required to snap-on to the above sensor's interface? I imagine most people use a 3D printed box, so putting these two together would significantly:

1. lower the cost,
2. improve repairability, should the sensor eventually corrode or fail otherwise,
3. potentially enable other version of sensors to be used, like longer/deeper ones.

I also wonder if would be worth contacting the seller/manufacturer to see if they wouldn't be interested in selling readily-made b-parasite? For what it's worth, I found another product that is pretty much a complete product, except with offline sound notifications:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000586280615.html

[alexhk]

Your link doesn't work (.html missing). Here is the link:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32832538686.html

I tend to agree, a separate RC circuit board sounds like a good idea. I am new to this kind of sensor, but if they are readily available the existing boards could be used for b-parasite or @rbaron could simply separate his RC circuit into a second PCB which could be ordered (in higher quantities) together with the main PCBs.

I also would like to see longer/deeper sensors (or simply submerge the "little" ones deep into the substrate if they could be connected with a wire).

[jrhbcn]

I think it is an excellent idea. We could design a 3D printed case that joins the two "parts" similarly to the actual b-parasite or use it separately with longer cables as @alexhk suggests. My +1.

[SchmidL]

I discussed it with @rbaron already few years ago in #11

I planned to do it soonish but life had other plans! Love to see the idea to wear some fruits