Introduction: What the Texecom Odyssey 3 Dummy External Sounder Is
Texecom FCC-1170 Odyssey 3 Dummy (White/Blue)is a purpose-built non-functional bell-box cover designed to mirror the look and footprint of the live Odyssey 3 external sounders. Priced as an economical visual deterrent (suggested retail price 16.99), this lightweight polycarbonate cover provides the recognisable profile of an external alarm sounder without any electronics, batteries or sound output. If your aim is to increase perceived security at low cost, match existing alarm aesthetics, or replace a damaged cover cosmetically, the FCC-1170 is positioned specifically for those needs.
Key Features at a Glance
- Visual deterrent only: no electronics, no siren sound and no battery inside.
- White polycarbonate cover with blue lens to match live Odyssey 3 units.
- IP44 rated: suitable for external mounting under eaves or in partially exposed locations.
- Form-factor matching: dimensions 315 306 78 mm.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
Understanding precisely what youre buying is essential when choosing deterrent devices. The FCC-1170 is intentionally minimal: a durable polycarbonate cover engineered to visually replicate the Odyssey 3 sounder series. Below are the core specifications and what they mean in practical terms.
- Brand:Texecom
- Model / SKU:FCC-1170 / TEX-FCC-1170
- Product type:Dummy external sounder / decoy bell box
- Functionality:Visual deterrent no electronics or sound)
- Colour:White housing with blue lens
- Material:Polycarbonate cover
- Ingress protection:IP44 (suitable for partial exposure/under eaves)
- Dimensions:315 306 78 mm (H D)
- Intended use:External mounting under eaves or partially exposed positions
- Sound output:None
- Battery / tamper:None
Benefits stem from these specifications. The polycarbonate construction provides a weather-resistant, impact-tolerant shell that retains the visual authenticity of a functioning sounder. The IP44 rating ensures it will withstand spray and light rain when mounted in recommended positions. Because it is a cover rather than an active device, the FCC-1170 eliminates concerns about wiring, battery maintenance, or false activationmaking it a convenient option when the goal is to boost visible security affordably.
Where This Product Excels: Use Cases and Scenarios
The FCC-1170 is designed for situations where visual presence matters more than actual alarm performance. Typical use cases include:
- Complementing live alarm systems:Use dummy covers alongside a smaller number of functioning sounders to create a perception of wider coverage. This is common at retail premises, small industrial sites or residential properties where budget constraints limit the number of live sirens.
- Cosmetic replacement:Replace a faded, cracked or damaged cover on a site where the internal electronics remain intact but the outward appearance is compromised.
- Low-cost deterrent installations:For landlords or property managers seeking rapid, inexpensive ways to improve perceived security on multiple properties, dummy boxes allow consistent branding and appearance at low unit cost.
- Display and training:Installers, resellers or training providers can use the FCC-1170 in showrooms or training environments where demonstrating form factor without live wiring is preferable.
- Temporary measures:While upgrades are planned, a dummy unit can provide an immediate visual deterrent until full alarm hardware is installed.
Because it is light and simple to install, the FCC-1170 is particularly attractive for multi-site rollouts where appearance matters but budgets are tight. It is also useful where local regulations or certification requirements demand that only a subset of devices be live; visually matching dummy units can provide aesthetic consistency.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
Decoy sirens and dummy bell boxes are a common category of security accessory. When comparing the Texecom FCC-1170 to other options, consider these distinguishing factors:
- Authenticity and form factor:The FCC-1170 is designed to match the Odyssey 3 family physically, which makes it a better visual match for sites already using Texecom sounders compared with generic decoys that use different shapes or colours.
- Build material:Polycarbonate covers similar to the FCC-1170 outperform cheap ABS or thin plastic alternatives in toughness and UV resistance, helping to maintain appearance over time.
- Weather rating:IP44 is typical for dummy units intended for sheltered outdoor use. Some competitors offer lower protection (suitable only for fully sheltered indoor displays) while full live sounders often provide higher IP ratings. If you need exposed mounting, choose a product rated for full weather exposure or opt for a live, certified sounder.
- Cost-effectiveness:At a suggested retail price of 16.99, the FCC-1170 sits squarely in the budget-friendly segment, making it competitive for bulk or multi-site purchases.
Limitations versus live and certified units are obvious: the FCC-1170 offers no audible alarm, no tamper detection, and no certification-based reassurance of active security. When comparing to other dummy units, its primary advantages are brand alignment with Texecoms Odyssey range and a sturdy polycarbonate construction.
Customer Feedback and Installer Perspectives
There are few official public customer testimonials specifically for non-electronic decoy covers, but feedback from installers and resellers for similar products typically emphasises a few recurring themes:
- Visual impact:Installers report that a credible-looking bell box can deter opportunistic intruders simply by being visible from the street or entry points.
- Value for money:Resellers often note the strong price-to-impact ratio: inexpensive units that improve perceived coverage without adding maintenance obligations.
- Ease of installation:Quick mounting and no wiring make these covers practical for rapid rollouts or temporary installations.
- Limitations understood:Professionals stress this is a deterrent only and recommend using dummy units as a complement, not a substitute, for certified alarm coverage where required by insurance or regulations.
If you need verified testimonials for procurement or marketing, ask your reseller for case studies or site references. Installers who have used decoy units often provide anonymised before-and-after photos demonstrating improved appearance and consistency across multiple properties.
Installation, Compliance and Practical Advice
Because the FCC-1170 contains no electronics, installation is largely mechanical: select suitable fixings for the mounting surface, follow the Odyssey Series mounting guidance for correct placement, and ensure the unit is mounted under eaves (or in a similarly sheltered location) to respect the IP44 rating. Important practical points include:
- Do not assume any tamper switch or powered functionality is present.
- Consult Texecom or your reseller for compatibility with Odyssey mounting plates if you plan to mix live and dummy units on the same backplate or mounting arrangement.
- Verify warranty and certification details with the supplier; this product is a cosmetic/deterrent item and warranty terms may differ from live equipment.
Conclusion: Why Choose the Texecom FCC-1170 Dummy Bell Box?
The Texecom Odyssey 3 Dummy External Sounder FCC-1170 is a pragmatic, cost-effective solution for boosting the visible presence of an alarm system without the expense or maintenance of additional live sirens. It is particularly well suited to installers, resellers and property owners who want to maintain visual consistency with Odyssey 3 sounders, perform cosmetic replacements, or provide low-cost deterrence across multiple sites.
Key reasons to consider the FCC-1170 include its authentic Odyssey 3 appearance, durable polycarbonate construction, simple installation and attractive price point (suggested retail 16.99). Remember that it is a visual deterrent only; where audible alarms, tamper monitoring or certification are required, pair the FCC-1170 with appropriate live devices or choose a certified sounder.
In short, for anyone seeking an affordable way to improve perceived security, maintain aesthetic consistency with existing Texecom Odyssey hardware, or replace a damaged cover without replacing internal electronics, the FCC-1170 represents a sensible and practical choice.
