Introduction to the Texecom GBQ-0001 (Odyssey 2‑W) and its key features
The Texecom GBQ-0001 Odyssey 2‑W is a purpose-built wireless sounder backplate designed for use with the Premier Elite Odyssey external sounder range. Combining robust outdoor protection, a powerful 105 dB acoustic output and Ricochet mesh wireless communications, this unit offers installers and end users a practical, low‑impact signalling solution for external intruder alarm systems. The backplate is battery powered (8 × AA lithium cells supplied), features a high‑brightness LED strobe, and is sealed to IP65 standard to cope with exposed installations.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The GBQ-0001 is engineered to meet the needs of modern alarm installations where flexibility, reliability and compliance matter. Below is a concise breakdown of its key technical specifications followed by the practical benefits those specifications deliver.
- Model:GBQ-0001 (Odyssey 2‑W backplate)
- Wireless frequency:868.0–868.6 MHz (Ricochet)
- Wireless mesh:Ricochet
- Acoustic output:105 dB(A) peak at 1 m (A-weighted, 90°)
- Strobe output:High-brightness LED ≈ 320 lm; typical 1 Hz flash rate
- Power:8 × 1.5 V AA lithium cells (battery pack included)
- Battery life:Typical 2–5 years (depending on use and settings)
- Selectable cut-off:Selectable cut-off times (e.g., 15 min or 3 min); strobe power-saving behaviour
- Environmental protection:IP65 sealed electronics
- Operating temperature:−25 °C to +55 °C (storage to +60 °C)
- Tamper:Wall and lid tamper; rear tamper microswitch (adjustable)
- Material:3 mm polycarbonate
- Dimensions (H×W×D):242 mm × 382 mm × 76 mm
- Weight:Approx. 980 g
- Standards:Declared suitable for EN 50131-1, EN 50131-3, EN 50131-5-3 and PD6662 (Grade 2, Environmental Class IV) — see manual
- Battery supplied:Yes (8×AA lithium cells)
Reliable wireless communications: Ricochet mesh technology gives the GBQ-0001 a significant advantage in larger or more complex installs. Nodes in a Ricochet network can relay messages, improving range and resilience to interference compared with single-hop radio devices. For installers, this means fewer blind spots and more predictable performance across a site.
High audible and visual signalling: The 105 dB(A) peak acoustic output makes the sounder clearly audible in many outdoor scenarios, while the ~320 lm LED strobe provides strong visual indication. Selectable power-saving strobe behaviour and cut-off times help balance deterrence with battery longevity.
Outdoor durability and compliance: IP65 sealed electronics protect the unit from dust and jets of water, making it suitable for exposed external locations. The GBQ-0001’s compliance declarations for EN and PD standards provide confidence when specifying the device in systems intended to meet Grade 2 requirements.
Battery-powered convenience: With the supplied 8×AA lithium pack and typical battery life of 2–5 years, the unit requires minimal maintenance while avoiding the cost and disruption of running external power to a sounder location. Adjustable tamper switches and a robust polycarbonate backplate support secure, long‑term outdoor use.
Use cases and scenarios where the GBQ-0001 excels
The Odyssey 2‑W backplate is designed to perform well in a range of residential and commercial applications. Typical scenarios include:
- Detached and semi-detached homes:Where homeowners want visible and audible external signalling without intrusive cabling, the GBQ-0001 can be sited to maximise deterrence while being straightforward for an installer to commission.
- Retail and small commercial premises:Shopfronts, small warehouses and offices that use Premier Elite systems benefit from a compliant external alarm device that does not require mains wiring and can be integrated into a Ricochet-enabled control panel network.
- Extensions and outbuildings:Properties with garden rooms, garages or workshops that are separate from the main building can be protected by adding wireless external signalling without trenching or rewiring.
- Temporary or phased sites:Construction sites, event venues or properties undergoing renovation can use battery-powered external sounders for short‑term protection where permanent wiring is not desirable.
- Multi-node installations:Sites with several wireless devices benefit from Ricochet’s mesh features, improving radio reliability across spread-out properties.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the GBQ-0001 against other external sounder options, consider these comparison points:
- Wired vs wireless:Traditional hardwired external sounders deliver continuous power and can be simpler to maintain long-term where cabling is already present. However, they require installation labour and may be impractical for retrofits. The GBQ-0001 removes the need for wiring while offering multi-year battery life, a trade-off favouring minimal disruption and flexible siting.
- Ricochet mesh vs single-hop wireless:Many older or basic wireless sounders rely on direct radio links to the control panel and can suffer if the signal path is obstructed. Ricochet mesh enables multi-hop communication, improving reliability and making the GBQ-0001 a better fit for larger properties or sites with challenging radio environments.
- Acoustic and visual output:A 105 dB(A) peak output is competitive for external wireless devices and provides strong deterrent effect. Some premium wired sirens may exceed this level slightly, but those typically incur greater installation cost. The integrated ~320 lm strobe is bright enough for clear visual identification at night and in daylight conditions.
- Environmental protection:IP65 rating ensures the electronics remain protected from dust and water jets, which compares well with other external wireless offerings in the same category. Installers should still consider local exposure to prolonged driving rain or salt spray and site units accordingly.
- Standards compliance:The declared suitability for EN and PD standards at Grade 2 makes the GBQ-0001 appropriate for many residential and commercial installations. If a higher grade is required (Grade 3 or above), designers should verify compliance with the project specification and consider alternative higher-grade devices.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Public, verified customer reviews specific to the Texecom GBQ-0001 are limited in volume compared with consumer products. However, installer and contractor feedback commonly highlights a few recurring strengths based on device behaviour and field experience with Odyssey external sounders:
- Easy commissioning:Installers appreciate the straightforward pairing process with Premier Elite panels and the flexibility Ricochet provides for siting devices in difficult radio environments.
- Low maintenance:The long battery life and selectable cut-off modes reduce service visits and ongoing maintenance costs compared with older battery-powered sirens.
- Robust deterrence:End users report satisfaction with the loud, clear siren tone and bright strobe, which together deliver a confident external signal when triggered.
- Weather resilience:IP65 sealing and sturdy polycarbonate construction give confidence for exposed installations, with few reports of weather-related failures when installed per manufacturer guidance.
If you require direct customer reviews for procurement or specification decisions, ask your distributor for case studies or reference installations; Texecom and specialist suppliers often provide installer testimonials and project summaries on request.
Conclusion — why the GBQ-0001 is a strong choice
The Texecom GBQ-0001 (Odyssey 2‑W backplate) is a compelling option for installers and end users who need a reliable, flexible external signalling solution that integrates with Premier Elite panels and benefits from Ricochet mesh networking. Its combination of a loud 105 dB(A) siren, a high-brightness strobe, IP65 sealing and long battery life makes it suitable for many residential and commercial sites where running mains power to an external sounder would be inconvenient or expensive.
Key strengths include improved wireless reliability through Ricochet, user-selectable power-saving modes that extend battery life, tamper protection for security, and compliance declarations that assist with Grade 2 system design. While wired sirens still have a place in some projects, the GBQ-0001 occupies a valuable niche for low-disruption installs, retrofits and locations where mesh wireless performance is required.
Pricing is competitive: with a suggested retail price of approximately 99.99 (trade cost reference 83.39), the backplate provides a cost-effective way to deliver professional external signalling without the labour and material costs of cabling. For installers specifying Premier Elite systems or designers seeking a reliable wireless external sounder, the GBQ-0001 is a practical, well-specified choice — provided the project requirements align with Grade 2 environmental and performance expectations.
For full commissioning details, installation guidance and the exact compliance statements for your country or project, refer to the official Texecom Odyssey-W installation manual and ensure installation is carried out by a qualified professional. If you need additional comparisons, site planning advice or compatibility checks with Premier Elite panels, your local Texecom distributor or professional installer can provide tailored support.
