Introduction: Texecom Odyssey 5E Compact Back (FCF-0005) and its key features
The Texecom Odyssey 5E Compact Back (model FCF-0005) is the purpose-built backbox for the Texecom Odyssey 5 / 5E Compact external sounder family. Designed to house covers and electronics for the Odyssey range, this compact backbox provides a robust, discreet mounting solution for external alarm sounders used across residential and commercial sites. With a suggested retail price of A334.95, the FCF-0005 balances affordability with professional-grade materials and features that simplify installation and improve long-term reliability.
Key features at a glance:
- Designed specifically for Texecom Odyssey 5 / 5E Compact sounders and strobes.
- 3 mm polycarbonate construction for impact resistance and weather protection.
- Tamper detection for both wall and lid to help prevent tamper-related false alarms.
- Engineer hold-off mode that prevents the sounder from operating until tamper is secured, aiding safe installation and maintenance.
- Compact, low-profile styling suitable for discreet external mounting.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Supply Voltage:12 6 V DC (13.7 V nominal) ndash; compatible with typical intruder alarm power supplies.
- Standby Battery:7.2 V NiMH, 250 mAh (for compatible variants that incorporate internal power/back-up).
- Current Drain:Strobe ~100 mA; Quiescent ~18 mA (typical) ndash; useful for calculating system load and battery sizing.
- Flash Tube & Flash Rate:1 Ws Xenon flash tube at roughly 1 Hz (typical) with tamper flash at 1 Hz alternating ndash; clear visual signalling when required.
- Discharge Time:<180 s (<60 V DC) ndash; part of the protective features for the strobe circuit.
- Operating temperature:-25 B0C to +55 B0C ndash; suitable for most UK and temperate climate installations.
- Storage temperature:-25 B0C to +60 B0C.
- Environmental protection:Back box rated to IP65; electronics encapsulated to around IP44 depending on variant. This combination offers effective protection for the enclosure itself and reasonable resistance for internal assemblies.
- Volume:Supports a 109 dB peak single-piezo sounder (A-weighted @ 1 m) ndash; loud enough for most external signalling requirements.
- Material:3 mm polycarbonate ndash; impact resistant, UV tolerant, and lighter than many metal alternatives.
- Dimensions:284 D7 256 D7 68 mm (h D7 w D7 d) ndash; a compact footprint that works well where space or aesthetics are a consideration.
- Packed weight:Approximately 1,250 g.
- Compatibility:Specifically made for Texecom Odyssey 5 / 5E Compact sounders and strobes (model / SKU: FCF-0005).
- Durability: The 3 mm polycarbonate construction resists impacts and weathering better than thin plastics, giving long service life in external environments.
- Installation safety and convenience: Engineer hold-off mode reduces the risk of accidental activation during wiring or maintenance, protecting both the installer and the site occupants.
- Reduced false alarms: Wall and lid tamper detection provide early indication of tampering attempts and help integrate with control panels for immediate reporting.
- Discreet appearance: Low-profile styling allows the sounder to be less visually intrusive on residential façades while still providing strong audible and visual deterrence.
- Serviceability: Compatibility with Odyssey 5/5E Compact modules makes replacement or upgrades straightforward for installers working with Texecom systems.
Use cases and scenarios where the FCF-0005 excels
The Odyssey 5E Compact backbox is designed for real-world installations where reliability, compactness and neat appearance matter. Typical scenarios include:
- Residential properties:Detached and semi-detached houses where homeowners want effective external alarm signalling without oversized or obtrusive housings. The compact size and clean finish help maintain curb appeal.
- Low- to medium-risk commercial premises:Small shops, offices and clinics where a robust external sounder is required but large industrial sounders are unnecessary. The FCF-0005 provides a professional, unobtrusive solution.
- Retrofit projects:When upgrading older alarm systems to modern Texecom Odyssey sounders, the FCF-0005 simplifies mounting and reduces the need for extensive rework of building fabric.
- Housing associations and managed properties:Bulk installations where consistency of appearance, tamper protection and straightforward maintenance are priorities.
- Temporary or seasonal sites:The light weight, weather resistance and simple mounting make the backbox a good choice where temporary protection is needed without compromising safety or compliance.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When considering the FCF-0005 it helps to see how it stacks up against other common approaches to external sounder mounting:
- Polycarbonate is lighter and easier to cut or drill on-site than metal, reducing installation time. It also resists corrosion and is less likely to rust in coastal or damp environments.
- Metal backboxes can offer higher mechanical resistance to deliberate attack, but they are heavier and can require more specialist fasteners and preparation. For many residential and commercial sites, polycarbonate offers a better balance of durability and practicality.
- A dedicated Texecom backbox like the FCF-0005 is matched to the Odyssey Compact range in mounting points, cable entry and accessory fitment. This reduces installer error and speeds up commissioning.
- Universal backboxes may be cheaper but often need modification to achieve the same fit and may not support engineer hold-off or integrated tamper features out of the box.
- Some manufacturers supply combined sounder-strobe assemblies sealed together. These can be very quick to deploy but may limit modular repair or upgrade options. The FCF-0005 approach—housing a replaceable Odyssey module—allows technicians to service or replace the sounder or strobe independently.
Customer feedback and installer commentary
There are no specific named customer testimonials included with the product listing, but installer and engineer feedback for purpose-built Odyssey backboxes typically highlights the following points:
- "Fit and finish": Installers often note that the backbox aligns perfectly with Odyssey covers and electronics, reducing the need for onsite adjustments.
- "Tamper detection usefulness": Engineers appreciate the dual wall and lid tamper because it integrates neatly with control panels and simplifies fault finding.
- "Durability and weather resistance": Users comment that polycarbonate survives coastal and urban environments without the corrosion issues seen with some metal enclosures.
- "Engineer hold-off helps safety": The hold-off feature is valued during commissioning since it prevents accidental alarms during wiring, saving time and avoiding nuisance activations.
These points reflect typical, aggregated feedback from the industry rather than individual consumer reviews, but they indicate why many professionals choose this backbox for Odyssey installations.
Conclusion: Why choose the Texecom Odyssey 5E Compact Back FCF-0005?
The Texecom Odyssey 5E Compact Back (FCF-0005) is a practical, well-specified backbox for installers and specifiers looking to deploy Odyssey 5/5E Compact external sounders. It combines impact-resistant polycarbonate construction, integrated tamper detection, engineer hold-off convenience and a compact, discreet design that fits a wide range of residential and commercial applications. With the ability to support 109 dB single-piezo sounders and a combination of IP ratings that protect the enclosure and its mounted electronics, the FCF-0005 offers a strong balance of performance and value.
For alarm engineers and contractors, the benefits are clear: faster, safer installations, fewer retrofit headaches, and a tidy external appearance that meets both functional and aesthetic needs. If youE28099re specifying or upgrading Odyssey sounders, the FCF-0005 backbox is an excellent component to include in your design for reliable outdoor signalling and straightforward long-term maintenance.
