Introduction to the Texecom Odyssey 3 Live Backplate (FCC-1111)
The Texecom Odyssey 3 Live Backplate (FCC-1111) is the internal electronics and mounting assembly designed for the Premier Elite "Odyssey 3" external sounder/strobe. As a live backplate it is not a complete bellbox on its own — it requires the Odyssey cover/frame to form the finished external sounder. What sets the FCC-1111 apart is its Grade 3 performance focus, twin piezo sounders capable of up to 115 dB(A) peak at 1 m (for non-E/Grade 3 variants), triple tamper detection, built-in NiMH standby battery and selectable sound modes including patented engineer Hold-Off and strobe-saver circuitry. With a nominal supply of 13.7 V (12–16 V DC) and typically low quiescent current, it is engineered for professional installers and higher-risk installations where reliability, regulatory compliance and low standby current are priorities.
Key features at a glance
- Model:FCC-1111 live backplate for Odyssey 3 external sounder.
- Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (nominal 13.7 V).
- Acoustic output:Up to 115 dB(A) peak at 1 m (non-E/Grade 3 model).
- Tamper protection:Triple tamper — screw, lid and wall.
- Standby battery:Internal NiMH 7.2 V nominal (~250 mAh) with battery monitoring and fault output.
- Selectable modes:SAB/SCB modes, patented engineer Hold-Off and strobe-saver to reduce nuisance activation and panel current draw.
- Environmental protection:Non-E/Grade 3 models IP65; E (economy) models IP44.
- Typical price indication:suggested retail around 49.99 (check local suppliers for up-to-date pricing).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The FCC-1111 is designed around practical installer needs and compliance with alarm-system standards for higher security environments. Key specification highlights translate into tangible benefits on-site:
Operating from a 12 6 V supply (nominal 13.7 V), the FCC-1111 has a low quiescent current (typically ~18 mA), making it considerate of overall panel standby budgets where multiple peripherals are used. Sounder currents depend on mode: non-E units draw approximately 405 mA in SAB mode and around 190 mA in low-current (LC) settings at 13.7 V. Strobe circuitry typically draws about 100 mA with a cut-off time of 15 minutes (or panel cut-off if shorter). The internal NiMH battery provides standby resilience, with battery monitoring and a fault output to report low battery states to the control panel.
For deterrence and signalling, the FCC-1111 supports twin piezo sounders and Xenon strobe control. Non-E/Grade 3 models produce up to 115 dB(A) peak at 1 m, a level suited to drawing attention across commercial and open sites. The strobe energy (~1 Ws with a typical flash rate of 1 Hz) and comfort LEDs (alternate flashing at around 100 mcd) offer both high-visibility alarm indication and user-friendly status feedback.
Physical security is a priority. Triple tamper detection (screw, lid and wall) provides comprehensive protection against removal or tampering attempts. The PCB is conformally coated for weather resistance and the non-E/Grade 3 variant is rated IP65 for robust external protection. Operation is specified from 6 to +55 , covering a wide range of external environments.
Selectable SAB/SCB modes and Texecoms patented engineer Hold-Off help reduce nuisance activations and overall control-panel current draw. Strobe-saver circuitry preserves strobe life and limits current spikes, useful where panel capabilities or power budgets are constrained. These options make the FCC-1111 flexible for installers who need to balance visibility, audibility and system power consumption.
Use cases and scenarios where the FCC-1111 excels
The FCC-1111 is tailored to professional wired alarm installers, security contractors and system integrators. Typical scenarios where it is an excellent fit include:
- Commercial premises:Retail units, shopping centres and offices where a high-output external alert is required to deter theft, entry or vandalism.
- Warehouses and industrial sites:Large open areas and external perimeters benefit from the high sound output and visual strobe to rapidly alert staff and neighbours.
- Higher-risk residential properties:Properties in exposed locations or those requiring Grade 3 systems under PD6662 / EN50131 for insurance and compliance reasons.
- Integrations with advanced control panels:Installations where low quiescent current and selective sound modes are needed to manage panel load and battery backup times.
- Applications requiring strong tamper protection:Areas vulnerable to tampering or removal attempts; the triple tamper arrangement adds resilience.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When sizing up external sounder backplates and bellboxes, installers typically compare acoustic output, tamper protection, environmental rating, current draw and compliance. The FCC-1111 competes strongly in these categories:
- Grade & compliance:The FCC-1111 is offered in variants conforming to PD6662 / EN50131 requirements and is reported in listings as Grade 3 Class IV where applicable. Many economy external sounders target Grade 2 / E classifications and have lower environmental sealing and simpler tamper schemes.
- Power efficiency:With a typical quiescent current around 18 mA and selectable modes to reduce sounder current, the FCC-1111 is well suited to installations where overall system power budgets are critical. Some competing units provide high sound output but at the expense of higher standby drain.
- Tamper features:Triple tamper (screw, lid, wall) is more comprehensive than many competitor products that may only offer lid or wall tamper detection.
- Environmental rating:An IP65 rating on non-E/Grade 3 variants gives better dust and water protection than many economy units rated only to IP44, making the FCC-1111 preferable for exposed installations.
- Serviceability:The built-in NiMH battery with monitoring and fault output simplifies maintenance compared with some external sounders that rely on external standby arrangements or less clear battery reporting.
In summary, while some alternatives may be cheaper upfront, the FCC-1111s combination of Grade 3 capability, low standby current, robust tamper protection and higher IP rating often yields better lifecycle value for commercial and higher-risk installations.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Direct product reviews may vary by region and installer preference, but common feedback themes from professionals working with the Odyssey 3 live backplate include:
- "Reliable and well engineered" Installers often highlight the thoughtful power-management modes and durable build as advantages when fitting multiple bellboxes on a single panel.
- "Good deterrent performance" The high dB output and visible strobe are praised for their deterrent effect in commercial and exposed sites.
- "Easy to integrate with modern panels" Low quiescent current and configurable modes make it straightforward to match the backplate to panel capabilities and to meet battery backup time requirements.
- "Robust tamper protection" The triple tamper functionality is frequently cited as a practical improvement over simpler devices, reducing false alarms and tamper vulnerability.
These impressions reflect typical installer and end-user priorities: reliability, compliance and minimal ongoing maintenance complexity.
Installation notes and compliance
The FCC-1111 is intended to be installed by a qualified engineer. Power should be isolated before installation and the Texecom Odyssey series installation manual followed for wiring, battery fitting and configuration. The unit is designed to meet applicable PD6662 / EN50131 requirements for the grade shown on the specific variant. Full technical details and wiring diagrams are available in the Odyssey Series installation manual from Texecom.
Conclusion: Why choose the Texecom FCC-1111 backplate?
The Texecom Odyssey 3 Live Backplate FCC-1111 is a professional-grade component built for installers who need reliable external alarm performance without excessive standby drain. Its combination of Grade 3 capability (where specified), selectable sound modes, patented engineer Hold-Off, strobe-saver circuitry, triple tamper detection and IP65 environmental protection make it a strong choice for commercial premises, warehouses and higher-risk residential installations. While it requires the Odyssey cover/frame to complete the bellbox, its internal feature set and engineering focus provide long-term value: lower nuisance activation, straightforward integration with modern control panels and resilience in exposed conditions. For security contractors and system integrators prioritising compliance, deterrence and low operational overhead, the FCC-1111 is a compelling option worth consideration.
