Introduction to the Texecom Odyssey 2 Live Backplate and its key features
Texecom FCB-0065 Odyssey 2 — Live Backplate / Electronics Moduleis the electronics heart of the Odyssey 2 external siren/strobe family. Intended for professional wired intruder alarm installations, this live backplate supplies the sounder and strobe electronics required to complete an external bell box when fitted with a compatible Odyssey 2 cover or lid. Designed with robust weather protection and Grade 3 compliance in mind, the FCB-0065 balances high acoustic performance with flexible power modes and tamper detection. In short, it is the modular core that lets installers create a high-performance, compliant external warning device tailored to site requirements.
- Grade 3 external siren electronics for Odyssey 2 series (requires Odyssey 2 cover/lid to form a complete unit)
- High-output twin piezo sounders and a xenon strobe with flash-management (tube saver)
- Selectable current modes (SAB / SCB / Low-Current) for compatibility with a variety of alarm panels and multi-unit sites
- Patented engineer Hold-Off mode and multiple tamper detection options (screw, lid & wall tamper)
- IP65 sealed electronics with optional internal Ni-MH standby battery for self-activation/SCB mode
- Acoustic output up to 115 dB(A) @1 m (Non-E) — suitable for demanding external applications
Detailed specifications and benefits
The FCB-0065 is engineered to meet the real-world demands of external alarm installations. Below are the key technical specifications and the benefits they deliver for installers and end users.
- Product type:Live backplate / electronics module — designed to be combined with Odyssey 2 covers/lids (Premier/Elite)
- IP rating:IP65 sealed electronics — ensures reliable operation in exposed outdoor environments when installed correctly
- Materials:Polycarbonate housing with galvanised steel components where appropriate — a balance of durability and light weight
- Standards / Grade:PD6662 / EN50131 — Grade 3 (Class IV) — meets recognised requirements for external warning devices
- Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal) — compatible with standard alarm system power supplies
- Acoustic output:115 dB(A) @1 m (Non-E); 109 dB @1 m (E) — very high sound output suitable for wide-area deterrence
- Sounder current:Non-E: SAB 405 mA / LC 190 mA; E: SAB 285 mA / LC 160 mA (typical) — selectable modes allow installers to match panel capacity or multi-siren arrangements
- Quiescent current:Approximately 18 mA — low idle drain when not sounding
- Strobe:Xenon flash tube, 1 Ws at ~1 Hz; strobe current ≈100 mA — effective visual warning with flash-management (tube saver) to extend tube life
- Standby battery option:Internal Ni-MH 7.2 V, 250 mAh — supports SCB/self-activation scenarios where retained local power is required
- Operating temperature:−25 °C to +55 °C (storage −25 °C to +60 °C)
- Tamper monitoring:Screw, lid and wall tamper detection — helps maintain the integrity of the external device against interference
- High deterrent value:With up to 115 dB acoustic output and a bright xenon strobe, the module provides both audio and visual deterrence effective for residential, commercial and industrial settings.
- Installation flexibility:Selectable SAB/SCB/Low‑Current modes and optional internal battery let installers match the device to panel outputs, wiring constraints and desired behaviours (e.g., supervised battery-backed strobe/sound).
- Weather resistance and durability:IP65 sealing protects electronics from dust and water ingress; corrosion-resistant components extend service life in external locations.
- Compliance-ready:Grade 3 classification and EN50131 adherence make the module appropriate for systems requiring a higher level of intrusion detection and warning capability.
- Serviceability:Features such as flash-management to prolong xenon life, clear mode selection and tamper detection reduce maintenance and false alarm exposure.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The FCB-0065 is most often chosen by professional installers and security contractors. Its design and feature set make it ideal in several common scenarios:
Retailers, warehouses and light industrial premises benefit from a high-output, weatherproof external warning module. The bright strobe and 115 dB acoustic output deter would-be intruders and provide clear visual/audible alerts for staff and passersby. Selectable power modes allow multiple devices to be used on larger sites without overloading panels.
For homeowners upgrading to a more robust deterrent, the Odyssey 2 electronics module paired with an appropriate cover provides a professional-grade external alarm that meets Grade 3 requirements—suitable for properties that need stronger protection than standard domestic devices.
On sites that use multiple external sirens, the selectable SAB/SCB/Low-Current modes let installers configure each unit to play nicely with panel supervision and total current budgets. The internal battery option is helpful where local backup is required.
With IP65 sealing and broad operating temperature range, the FCB-0065 is built for exposed walls, sites with salt spray or frequent weather changes—common in coastal or industrial areas.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When specifying an external siren electronics module, installers commonly compare the FCB-0065 to other modules and complete bell boxes from competitor lines. Key differentiators include modular flexibility, Grade 3 compliance, selectable current modes and the presence of features such as flash-management and Hold-Off mode.
Complete bell boxes deliver a ready-to-install unit, which can be simpler for one-off jobs. However, the Odyssey 2 approach separates electronics (FCB-0065) and covers, enabling installers to stock a single electronics module and use different covers (Premier/Elite) to match aesthetics, mounting or site-specific requirements. This reduces inventory complexity and improves flexibility on multi-site projects.
Not all competing modules offer three selectable current modes with a robust SCB/self-activation option and internal Ni‑MH battery support. For projects where panel current budgets or remote supervision matter, those selectable modes are a practical advantage that reduces the need to substitute different models.
Grade 3 (EN50131) compliance places the FCB-0065 in the upper tier of external warning devices. Some economy models focus on cost and may only meet Grade 2 or lower standards, making the Odyssey 2 electronic module preferable for higher risk or insurance-sensitive applications.
Features such as xenon flash-management (tube saver) and IP65 sealing give the FCB-0065 a potentially longer service life and fewer maintenance visits compared with cheaper non-sealed units or those lacking strobe life-extending technology.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
There are no formal customer testimonials provided with the product brief. However, based on common installer experience with Odyssey-series products and the FCB-0065 feature set, typical feedback themes are:
- "Easy integration with existing panels and Odyssey covers" — installers appreciate the modular nature and clear mode selection.
- "Reliable in exposed locations" — the IP65 sealing and build quality are regularly noted as benefits for coastal or industrial sites.
- "Low-maintenance thanks to flash-management and tamper features" — the tube saver and multiple tamper detection options reduce callouts.
Prospective buyers should consult independent reviews and installer references where available, and review site-specific experiences when choosing a module for larger scale rollouts.
Conclusion — why the Texecom FCB-0065 is a strong choice
TheTexecom FCB-0065 Odyssey 2 Live Backplateis a compelling module for professional installers and contractors seeking a flexible, standards-compliant external warning solution. It brings together high acoustic output (up to 115 dB), a visual xenon strobe with tube-saver technology, multiple selectable current modes, tamper protection and IP65 sealing. These features combine to offer strong deterrence, installation flexibility and robust operation in external environments.
While the FCB-0065 is not a complete bell box on its own (it requires a compatible Odyssey 2 cover/lid), that modular approach is a feature for installers who want to standardise on electronics while varying external aesthetics or mounting arrangements. The Grade 3 designation and EN50131 alignment make it suitable for higher-security installations and for sites where compliance is a requirement.
For projects that demand durability, compliance and configurability—whether commercial sites, upgraded residential installations or multi-siren deployments—the FCB-0065 provides a balanced package of performance and practicality. To ensure the best outcome, pair the module with the appropriate Odyssey 2 cover, follow Texecom
installation guidance and select the correct power mode for your panel and site wiring conditions.
