Introduction to the Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E External Sounder
Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E External Sounder (FCD-0261)is a wired external alarm siren designed to provide a powerful audible and visual deterrent for residential and commercial intruder alarm installations. With a peak volume of 109 dB, an integrated 1 Ws xenon strobe and a rugged IP44-rated polycarbonate housing, the Odyssey 4E combines robust performance with installer-friendly features such as selectable low-current modes, adjustable tamper detection and a small internal standby battery for alarm operation during short power disruptions.
Key features at a glance
- High output sounder:109 dB peak (1 m, A-weighted) for strong audible deterrence.
- Integrated strobe:1 Ws xenon flash tube with approximately 1 Hz flash rate for visual signalling.
- Supply and backup:12–16 V DC supply (13.7 V nominal) with internal NiMH standby battery stack (7.2 V, 250 mAh).
- Weather resistant:IP44-rated sealed electronics housed in 3 mm polycarbonate for outdoor use.
- Tamper protection:Adjustable wall and lid tamper (note: no screw-tamper on the 4E model).
- Installer modes:Selectable SAB/SCB/low-current modes and engineer hold-off to simplify safe installation and maintenance.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the hardware and performance characteristics of the Odyssey 4E helps explain why it is a reliable choice for many installations. Below are the key specifications and the practical benefits they deliver:
- Volume:109 dB peak (measured at 1 m, A-weighted). This level provides a strong audible alert that can be heard over significant distances and helps deter intruders while alerting neighbours and passers-by.
- Flash tube:1 Ws xenon strobe with ~1 Hz flash rate. The strobe enhances visibility at night and in poor visibility conditions, improving recognition of an alarm event from a distance.
- Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal) — compatible with standard intruder alarm system outputs.
- Standby battery:NiMH stack, 7.2 V nominal, 250 mAh — provides short-term alarm/back-up operation during mains interruption, enabling the sounder and strobe to function until mains is restored or the system is serviced.
- Current drain:Typical figures at 13.7 V include strobe ~100 mA and combined mode operating currents per Texecom datasheet (e.g. 285/160/30 mA depending on mode). Quiescent current is approx. 18 mA. Selectable low-current modes allow optimisation where system current budget is tight.
- Housing:3 mm polycarbonate for impact resistance and UV stability.
- Dimensions and weight:Approx. 310 × 196 × 58.5 mm; packed weight ≈ 1.25 kg — compact enough for wall mounting while offering a visible deterrent footprint.
- IP rating & temperature:IP44 (electronics enclosed) and an operating temperature range of −25 °C to +55 °C — suitable for most outdoor environments where weather exposure is moderate.
- Tamper detection:Adjustable wall and lid tamper give installers flexibility to secure the unit against removal or interference. Note the 4E model does not include a screw-tamper mechanism.
- Installation safety:Engineer hold-off option allows safe commissioning and maintenance. Always isolate power before wiring and follow Texecom datasheet and local regulations for battery disposal and electrical safety.
Use cases and scenarios where the Odyssey 4E excels
The Premier Odyssey 4E is well suited to a variety of environments where a combination of audible and visual deterrence is required. Typical use cases include:
- A detached or semi-detached property where a visible external strobe and loud siren provide both deterrence to intruders and an obvious alert to neighbours.
- Urban or suburban homes where the adjustable modes allow installers to manage current draw to suit different panel configurations while still maintaining a recognisable alarm signature.
- Shops, small offices, and light industrial units where a weather-resistant external sounder is required to signal alarm conditions outside the building and to assist emergency responders in locating the property quickly.
- Sites where a simple IP44-rated device is sufficient because it will be mounted under modest cover (e.g. building eaves) rather than fully exposed to driving rain.
- When combined with perimeter detection, the Odyssey 4E provides instantaneous audio/visual response to security breaches, deterring intruders before they enter the main building.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
External sounders from other manufacturers cover a wide range of features and price points. Here’s how the Odyssey 4E generally compares to common alternatives:
- Other Odyssey variants may provide different tamper options (such as screw-tamper) or alternative lens colours and mounting features. The 4E model is focused on providing the xenon strobe and audible output in a compact, installer-friendly package.
- Some higher-spec Odyssey variants may offer increased IP ratings or larger battery capacity for extended mains-failure operation; choose the variant that matches environmental exposure and backup requirements.
- Sound and strobe:Many competing models offer similar dB ratings and strobes; the 109 dB / 1 Ws combination is competitive for Grade 2 installations and typical domestic/commercial sites.
- Weather protection:Competitors may offer IP55 or higher for harsher environments. The Odyssey 4E’s IP44 is suitable for sheltered outdoor mounting; select a more heavily rated product if full exposure is expected.
- Installer features:Texecom’s selectable low-current modes and engineer hold-off are helpful practical features. Some competing devices offer additional programmable behaviour or integrated telemetry which may be required for advanced systems.
- Price and value:With a suggested retail price around GBP 33.99 (cost price example GBP 26.48), the Odyssey 4E positions itself as a cost-effective option for mainstream installations, balancing sensible features with affordability.
Customer feedback and installer notes
There are limited official consumer testimonials included with the datasheet. However, typical feedback and common installer observations for this class of device include:
- Installers appreciate the selectable low-current modes and engineer hold-off, which simplify commissioning and reduce the risk of nuisance events during service.
- Users commonly report that a bright strobe combined with a loud siren increases the perceived security of a property, attracting attention quickly.
- Some installers note the IP44 rating means the unit should be sited with modest protection from direct weather; for fully exposed sites a higher IP-rated alternative may be recommended.
Note:If you need verified customer reviews for purchasing decisions, request demonstration units, supplier references or look for retailer and installer feedback on sale pages and trade forums.
Conclusion: why the Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E is a strong choice
The Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E External Sounder (FCD-0261) is a practical, well-rounded option for those specifying a Grade 2 external alarm siren with visual signalling. It combines a competitive 109 dB sounder with a clear 1 Ws xenon strobe, an internal NiMH standby battery for short outages, and useful installer-focused features such as selectable low-current modes and engineer hold-off. The polycarbonate housing and IP44-rated electronics make it suitable for many outdoor installations, while the compact footprint and adjustable tamper options offer installation flexibility.
For homeowners and small businesses seeking a visible and audible deterrent at a reasonable price point, the Odyssey 4E strikes a good balance between performance, reliability and cost. Always ensure installation is handled by a qualified installer, confirm system compatibility (supply voltage and current budgets), and consult the official Texecom datasheet for wiring diagrams, regulatory compliance details (CE/UKCA) and full current figures.
Quick purchase note:The suggested retail price is around GBP 33.99; check with authorised distributors for current pricing, availability and warranty details before purchasing.
