Introduction to the Texecom Premier Elite Odyssey 3 Metal (FCC-1153)
Texecom Premier Elite Odyssey 3 Metal (FCC-1153)is a purpose-built external alarm sounder and strobe designed for demanding outdoor and high-security environments. Combining a powerful 115 dB(A) twin piezo sounder with a 1 Ws xenon flash tube, this unit delivers both audible and visual deterrence to intruders while providing installers and end users with robust weatherproofing, tamper protection and flexible operating modes. With an IP65-sealed electronics module, galvanised steel backplate and compliance to PD6662 / EN50131 Grade 3, the Odyssey 3 Metal is aimed at commercial, industrial and high-security residential sites where reliability and physical resilience are essential.
Key features at a glance
- 115 dB(A)peak sound output (measured at 1 m) for strong audible deterrence.
- IP65-sealedelectronics module to protect against dust and water ingress.
- Metal 1.5 mm galvanised steel backplate(metal version) for enhanced physical and tamper resistance.
- Triple tamper detection: wall, screw and lid tamper with captive screw fixing.
- Selectable low-current / SAB / SCB modes and strobe tube-saver to reduce control panel load and extend strobe life.
- Patented Engineer Hold-off Mode to allow safe installation and maintenance without accidental alarms.
- Conforms toPD6662 / EN50131 Grade 3for higher security assurances.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The Odyssey 3 Metal is engineered to meet the needs of professional installers while offering tangible benefits to building owners and managers. Its electrical, environmental and physical specifications underscore why it is chosen for higher-risk installations.
- Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal). This makes it compatible with most alarm panels and ensures consistent operation within standard system voltages.
- Quiescent current:18 mA typical at 13.7 V — low standby power draw reduces strain on the host system.
- Strobe current:100 mA typical at 13.7 V. The strobe tube-saver and selectable modes allow installers to manage current draw when multiple external devices are used.
- Internal standby battery:NiMH 7.2 V stack, 250 mAh — provides local power for short-term operation and ensures the strobe and tamper functions remain operational in some fault conditions.
- Flash tube:1 Ws xenon, flashing at approximately 1 Hz for clear visual signalling.
- Sound output:115 dB(A) peak at 1 m (90°) — a loud, attention-grabbing signature suitable for large sites and noisy environments.
- Cut-off time:less than 15 minutes — complies with common alarm system requirements for maximum sounder duration.
- Operating temperature:−25 °C to +55 °C, with storage rated up to +60 °C — supports a wide range of climates and outdoor conditions.
- EMC suitability:designed for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
- Cover material:3 mm polycarbonate for impact resistance and UV stability.
- Backplate:1.5 mm galvanised steel (Metal version) — provides substantial physical protection and resists prying or chiselling attempts common in malicious attacks.
- Tamper detection:wall, screw and lid tamper sensors with captive screw fixing for secure mounting and detection of removal attempts.
- Dimensions:315 × 306 × 78 mm; packed weight approximately 1250 g — compact for its class while retaining a robust footprint.
- Conforms toPD6662 / EN50131 Grade 3 (Class IV), indicating suitability for higher-security premises where physical resistance and reliable detection are required.
- Selectable operating modes (low-current, SAB, SCB) and a strobe tube-saver help manage panel load and extend component life, making system design easier for installers who need to support multiple external devices.
- Patented Engineer Hold-off Mode simplifies safe installation and commissioning by preventing inadvertent alarm activation during work on the system.
Use cases and scenarios where the Odyssey 3 Metal excels
The combination of a loud sounder, visual strobe, solid metal backplate and Grade 3 compliance positions the Odyssey 3 Metal for several demanding applications:
- Warehouses, factories and distribution centres benefit from the 115 dB output which is able to cut through ambient machinery noise and alert staff and nearby neighbours to an intrusion or emergency.
- Subject to harsh environmental exposure, the IP65-sealed electronics ensure long-term reliability despite rain, dust and temperature swings.
- For properties requiring Grade 3 systems — such as high-value homes, small estates or sites with outbuildings containing valuables — the Odyssey 3 Metal offers both the deterrence and the physical resistance expected for a higher-security specification.
- Sites where tamper resistance and clear signalling are mandatory (e.g., substations, pumping stations, network hubs) will benefit from the multiple tamper sensors and galvanised steel backplate.
- Shopping centres, schools and municipal buildings that need a visible alarm presence to manage evacuation and security incidents can use the audible and visual outputs to coordinate responses swiftly.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating an external sounder & strobe, four broad areas typically determine the best choice: sound output, weather and ingress protection, physical/tamper resistance, and installation flexibility. The Odyssey 3 Metal performs strongly across all four.
- Sound output:At 115 dB the Odyssey 3 Metal sits at the upper end of commonly available external sounders. Many basic units deliver 100–110 dB; the extra decibels improve detectability at greater distances and in noisier environments.
- Ingress protection:IP65-sealed electronics provide better dust and water protection than some lower-cost devices that offer only IP54 or no formal rating. This increases longevity in exposed sites.
- Physical construction:The metal backplate sets this model apart from plastic-bodied alternatives that are easier to attack. For sites that must meet Grade 3 requirements, the metal construction and triple tamper detection are important differentiators.
- Installer features:The Odyssey 3’s selectable modes, tube-saver and Engineer Hold-off Mode make it more flexible than simpler sounders. Competitor products may lack multiple operating modes or internal backup cells, requiring additional external components.
There are lower-cost alternatives from other manufacturers offering adequate performance for low-risk residential applications. Conversely, higher-end systems from other premium brands may provide additional integration features or customisable signalling patterns; however, for a balance of certified security, robust construction and cost-effectiveness, the Odyssey 3 Metal is a compelling middle-to-high-tier choice.
Customer and installer feedback
While individual experiences vary by installation and site conditions, common points of feedback from professional installers and building managers include:
- Installer perspective:"Engineers appreciate the Engineer Hold-off Mode and the selectable current modes — it simplifies commissioning and reduces the need for additional components on multi-device sites."
- Security professionals:"The metal backplate and triple tamper detection provide confidence in locations where physical attacks are a realistic threat. Grade 3 compliance is a decisive factor for high-security jobs."
- End-user viewpoint:"The sound level and visible strobe provide clear deterrence. The sealed electronics mean we have fewer service call-outs after severe weather."
These representative comments reflect the kinds of advantages installers and users report; site-specific performance will depend on mounting location, system configuration and local environment.
Conclusion — why choose the Odyssey 3 Metal?
The Texecom Premier Elite Odyssey 3 Metal (FCC-1153) is designed for situations where audible impact, visual signalling, physical resilience and certified security matter. With a 115 dB(A) peak sound output, IP65-sealed electronics, a 1.5 mm galvanised steel backplate and Grade 3 conformity, it addresses the key vulnerabilities that external alarm equipment faces: weather, tampering and insufficient deterrence.
For installers, the unit’s installer-friendly features — selectable current modes, strobe tube-saver and Engineer Hold-off Mode — reduce commissioning time and make system design more flexible. For building owners and security managers, the robust construction and compliance provide reassurance that the alarm will perform when required and resist common attack methods.
In short, the Odyssey 3 Metal is a strong choice for commercial, industrial and high-security residential installations where performance, durability and certification are priorities. As always, installation should be carried out by a qualified engineer following local regulations and the system design specification to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
