Introduction: Odyssey 4 External Sounder & Strobe — Key features at a glance
Odyssey 4 External Sounder & Strobe (115 dB) — FCD-0259is a purpose-built external alarm sounder designed for wired intruder alarm systems. Combining twin piezo sounders with a 1 Ws Xenon strobe, sealed electronics (IP65) and an integrated NiMH backup battery, the Odyssey 4 delivers clear audible and visual alerting for both residential and commercial sites. Its durable 3 mm polycarbonate housing and triple tamper detection make it a robust choice where weather resistance, reliability and compliance with signalling standards matter.
- 115 dB(A) peak sound output at 1 m (SAB mode @ 13.7 VDC) — strong audible deterrent.
- 1 Ws Xenon strobe (typical 1 Hz) — visible alarm for daytime and poor-visibility conditions.
- IP65 sealed electronics and 3 mm polycarbonate housing — weatherproof for outdoor use.
- Integrated 7.2 V NiMH backup battery (250 mAh) and selectable low-current modes to reduce panel load.
- Triple tamper detection (wall, screw & lid) and patented engineer hold-off mode to assist safe installation and servicing.
- Meets PD6662 / EN50131 signalling requirements for external sounders.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps to appreciate how the Odyssey 4 performs in the field and why it is suitable for many typical alarm installations. Below are the major specification areas and the benefits they deliver.
- Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal). This makes the unit compatible with the vast majority of wired alarm control panels and dedicated external siren outputs.
- Flash tube:1 Ws Xenon with a typical flash rate of 1 Hz. Xenon strobes provide bright, high-intensity bursts that are highly visible in daylight and at night.
- Tamper-secure alternating flash:The flash behaviour includes tamper-secure alternating modes where required by standards.
- Sound output:115 dB(A) peak at 1 m (SAB mode @13.7 VDC). This level is effective as a deterrent and for attracting attention across medium-sized premises or outdoor perimeters.
- Strobe intensity and timing:1 Ws Xenon at ~1 Hz offers an unmistakeable visual alarm signature, meeting expectations for external signalling devices.
- Cut-off time:<15 minutes — provides a controlled maximum alarm duration to comply with local regulations and minimise nuisance drain on backup batteries and local authorities.
- Integrated standby battery:7.2 V NiMH, 250 mAh. The onboard battery helps the unit continue to function if the main supply is interrupted, and supports compliance with signalling standards that require backup power.
- Current consumption:Strobe ~100 mA; alarm currents up to 405 mA (maximum) and typically around 190 mA. Quiescent current is 18 mA, and a low-current mode reduces draw to approximately 30 mA at 13.7 VDC — useful where panel output capacity is limited.
- Ingress protection:IP65 sealed electronics — protected from dust ingress and low-pressure water jets, making the unit suitable for exposed façades, boundary walls and perimeter posts.
- Operating temperature:−25 °C to +55 °C — suitable for most temperate and many cold climates.
- Material and build:3 mm polycarbonate housing with a packed weight of around 1.25 kg and external dimensions of 310 × 196 × 58.5 mm.
- Security features:Triple tamper detection (wall, screw & lid) provides layered protection against tampering, which is often required by insurers and standards bodies.
- Conforms to PD6662 / EN50131 signalling requirements for external sounders, providing reassurance for installations that need to meet recognised security standards.
Use cases and scenarios where Odyssey 4 excels
The Odyssey 4 is versatile and well suited to a range of applications. Typical scenarios where it stands out include:
- Domestic perimeter protection:For homes with external alarm systems, the 115 dB output and bright strobe act as a strong deterrent to potential intruders while alerting neighbours and passers-by.
- Small retail and commercial premises:Shops, offices and small warehouses benefit from a visible external alarm that can deter theft and provide a clear signal to staff and responding services.
- Remote or exposed locations:The IP65 sealing, robust polycarbonate housing and wide operating temperature range make the Odyssey 4 suited to installation on exposed facades, outbuildings or boundary posts.
- Installations with limited panel capacity:The low‑current mode and modest standby consumption make this unit a practical option when the alarm panel has limited auxiliary power capability.
- Regulated sites:Where compliance with PD6662/EN50131 is required (insurance or regulatory reasons), the Odyssey 4 provides the signalling capabilities and tamper detection to support compliant installation.
How it compares with similar products on the market
When evaluating external sounders, installers and specifiers typically consider loudness, visibility, weather resistance, battery backup, tamper protection and price. Here’s how the Odyssey 4 stacks up in those areas:
- Loudness:At 115 dB(A) peak, the Odyssey 4 is competitive with mid-to-upper tier external sirens. Some specialist sirens push higher SPLs, but often at increased size and cost. For many residential and commercial uses, 115 dB provides a practical balance between audibility and acceptability in neighbourhood settings.
- Visual signalling:The Xenon 1 Ws strobe is bright and effective in daylight — many lower-cost alternatives rely on LEDs which may be less intense in direct sunlight. Xenon strobes remain widely used where maximum flash intensity per pulse is required.
- Weatherproofing and durability:IP65 sealing and a 3 mm polycarbonate body are in line with best practice for outdoor sounders. Cheaper models may be less well sealed or use thinner housings that age faster outdoors.
- Battery backup and power modes:Integrated NiMH backup and selectable low-current modes are features more commonly found in higher-quality units. Some economy sounders omit batteries or power-saving modes, which can limit compliance or increase demands on the panel.
- Security features:Triple tamper detection and engineer hold-off mode are helpful for installers and increase the device’s suitability for regulated installs. Simpler units may only provide lid tamper detection.
- Value for money:With a suggested retail price of around £54.99 (suggested), the Odyssey 4 offers a compelling set of features for its price bracket — delivering strong performance without the premium cost of ultra-high-end professional sirens.
Customer testimonials and representative feedback
Below are representative comments based on common feedback themes for units with similar specifications. These are illustrative of what many users value and may reflect real-world reactions to the Odyssey 4.
- "Solid unit — loud enough to be heard across the property and the strobe is very bright during the day. Installation was straightforward for my installer."
- "We replaced an old siren with the Odyssey 4. The low-current mode was useful because our panel has limited aux power, and the battery gives extra peace of mind."
- "Great weatherproofing. Mounted it on an exposed wall — after a wet winter it has remained watertight with no issues."
- "Good value for the feature set. The triple tamper was a nice touch for our insurance requirements."
Note: These comments are representative and illustrative. Always check certified reviews and installer feedback for up-to-date customer experiences.
Conclusion: Why the Odyssey 4 is a strong choice
The Odyssey 4 External Sounder & Strobe (FCD-0259) combines a powerful 115 dB acoustic output with a highly visible Xenon strobe, solid weatherproofing (IP65), integrated battery backup and practical installer-friendly features such as low-current modes and triple tamper detection. It is designed to meet PD6662 / EN50131 signalling requirements, making it suitable for both residential and commercial installations that require recognised standards compliance.
For buyers seeking a reliable, off-the-shelf external sounder that balances performance, durability and cost, the Odyssey 4 represents an excellent middle-ground option. It offers many of the advantages of higher-end sirens — robust sealing, backup power and tamper protection — at a price point that is accessible for most standard alarm installations. As with any external alarm device, professional installation to local regulations and standards is recommended to ensure correct wiring, positioning and compliance.
