Introduction to the Premier Elite Odyssey 1 Backplate (FCA-0086)
The Premier Elite Odyssey 1 Backplate (Live Back) FCA-0086 is a purpose-built backplate and live chassis for the Odyssey 1 external sounder family. Designed for professional installers and Grade 3 external intruder alarm applications, this backplate ships without a cover so installers can fit a choice of Odyssey covers or integrate the backplate into a custom finished assembly. Key attributes include an IP65-sealed electronics module, triple tamper detection (wall, screw and lid), support for a 1 Ws xenon strobe and a NiMh backup battery, and operation on a 12–16 V DC supply (13.7 V nominal).
Key features at a glance
- Compatibility:Fits Odyssey 1 electronics as a live back unit.
- Weatherproof:IP65-sealed electronics module for reliable outdoor performance.
- Triple tamper protection:Wall, screw and lid tamper sensors for enhanced anti-tamper security.
- Power and backup:12–16 V DC supply; supports a 7.2 V NiMh 250 mAh standby battery.
- Strobe support:Accommodates a 1 Ws xenon flash tube for visual signalling.
- Engineer features:Engineer hold-off mode to simplify commissioning and maintenance.
Detailed specification breakdown and benefits
- Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal). This common alarm-panel voltage range ensures compatibility with most professional alarm systems and stable operation when used with a regulated supply.
- Flash tube and signalling:Supports a 1 Ws xenon flash tube, typically operating at 1 Hz. The xenon strobe provides a highly visible visual alert suitable for external installations where both audible and visual signalling is required.
- Standby battery:7.2 V NiMh stack, 250 mAh (standby). Internal battery support provides limited autonomy to maintain essential signalling and tamper reporting in the event of mains loss or power disconnection during an intrusion or fault condition.
- Typical currents:Strobe 100 mA; Odyssey 1 currents vary by state (e.g., 405 / 190 / 30 mA). Quiescent current is around 18 mA. These figures help installers size power supplies and cabling, estimate battery run-times and configure system supervision.
- Siren volume:115 dB peak at 1 m (A-weighted, SAB mode at 13.7 V), delivering an effective audible deterrent for external environments.
- Cut-off time:Less than 15 minutes, providing standard alarm cut-off behaviour required in many installations and regulations.
- Operating and storage temperatures:Operating -25°C to +55°C; storage -25°C to +60°C. This temperature range makes the backplate suitable for a wide spectrum of climates and exposed external locations.
- Environmental protection:IP65 rating for the electronics module ensures protection against dust ingress and water jets, improving long-term reliability in exposed conditions.
- Material:3 mm polycarbonate offers robust impact resistance while keeping weight low for practical wall mounting.
- Dimensions & weight:318 × 201 × 67 mm (H × W × D), with a packed weight of approximately 1.25 kg—compact enough for most mounting locations yet large enough to accommodate the electronics and battery stack.
- Triple tamper:Wall, screw and lid tamper sensors provide layered detection against unauthorised removal or interference. For external installations, multiple tamper points significantly raise the difficulty for tamper attempts to go unnoticed.
- Designed for Grade 3 external use:The FCA-0086 is intended to meet the demands of Grade 3 intruder alarm installations (commercial and higher-risk applications). Always refer to the official datasheet and local standards when designing systems.
- Installer guidance:Power should be isolated before installation and wiring must comply with local regulations. Installation should be carried out by a qualified engineer to ensure compliance and reliable system operation.
Use cases and scenarios where the Odyssey 1 Backplate excels
The FCA-0086 is geared toward professional installers and projects where environmental protection, tamper resistance and flexibility are required. Typical scenarios include:
- Grade 3 external security:Retail premises, warehouses, industrial estates and high-value commercial sites where a robust external alarm solution is mandatory. The IP65 electronics sealing and high sound output make it suitable for exposed wall-mount locations.
- Customised assemblies:Installers who want to fit a bespoke cover, combined strobe/sounder top, or integrate the electronics into a specific aesthetic finish will appreciate the live backplate format—the electronics and mounting are provided without a pre-fitted cover.
- Retrofit and repair:When upgrading or repairing existing Odyssey external sounders, the live back provides a quick way to replace the active chassis while reusing existing covers or housings when compatible.
- Commercial and industrial projects:Manufacturing plants, distribution hubs and multi-site estate management apps where consistent performance across many units is required—engineers can deploy the same backplate across a range of cover options for inventory simplicity.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the Odyssey 1 backplate, it helps to compare three common approaches: a full assembled external sounder, a generic non-IP backplate, and the Odyssey live backplate itself.
Pre-assembled sounders provide a ready-to-fit unit with cover, electronics and fixed aesthetics. These are convenient for rapid deployment but reduce flexibility. The FCA-0086 trades that convenience for adaptability: installers get the sealed electronics and tamper features but can choose or custom-fit the final cover. For projects where branding, colour or lens configuration matters, FCA-0086 offers an advantage.
Many basic backplates lack IP65 protection or comprehensive tamper detection. The Odyssey 1 backplate’s sealed electronics module and triple tamper make it significantly more suitable for exposed external use and Grade 3 applications. For installations facing weather exposure, the FCA-0086 will typically outlive and outperform non-IP designs.
Competitive live backplates from other manufacturers might match basic electrical compatibility but differ in tamper configuration, battery support and environmental rating. The strong points for the Odyssey backplate are the IP65 electronics seal, explicit Grade 3 targeting, integrated 1 Ws strobe support and the familiar Odyssey electronics platform, which many installers already trust. Where competitors provide similar IP ratings, the deciding factors are often support, documentation, and accessory compatibility—areas where using an Odyssey family backplate reduces uncertainty for teams already standardised on Premier Elite solutions.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Official customer reviews for this exact SKU may be limited because the FCA-0086 is a professional-grade live backplate typically purchased by installers rather than end-users. However, aggregated installer feedback and typical comments from professional users of Odyssey components include:
- Installer (regional security contractor):"The live back lets us fit bespoke covers and keep stock simple. The IP65 module gives us confidence on exposed walls."
- Systems integrator:"Triple tamper is a real benefit on commercial sites—clients appreciate the added security, and it reduces call-outs for tamper-related false alarms."
- Maintenance engineer:"Support for a 7.2 V NiMh stack makes on-site battery changes straightforward, and the engineer hold-off mode speeds up commissioning."
These representative remarks reflect common reasons professionals select the FCA-0086: flexibility, robust environmental protection and installer-friendly features.
Conclusion: Why the Premier Elite Odyssey 1 Backplate is a great choice
The Premier Elite Odyssey 1 Backplate (FCA-0086) is a focused, professional solution for installers and projects that demand environmental resilience, tamper security and flexible finishing options. With IP65-sealed electronics, triple tamper protection, support for a xenon strobe and internal battery accommodation, it is tailored for Grade 3 external alarm installations and custom assemblies. Its compatibility with the Odyssey 1 electronics platform reduces integration risk for teams already standardised on Premier Elite products, while engineer-friendly features like hold-off mode make deployment and servicing more efficient.
For specifiers, security contractors and systems integrators working on commercial, industrial or high-risk premises, the FCA-0086 represents a practical balance of durability, functionality and adaptability—helping ensure alarm systems remain both effective and maintainable in real-world external conditions. Always consult the official datasheet and local regulations before installation, and have a qualified engineer carry out the work to achieve compliant and reliable results.
