Texecom Premier Odyssey 5E External Sounder & Strobe, 109 dB, Battery Backup, FCE-0018

Introduction to the product and its key features

The Texecom Premier Odyssey 5E External Sounder & Strobe (FCE-0018) is a compact, purpose-built alarm bellbox engineered for residential and light-commercial security systems. Combining a high-output piezo sounder with a xenon strobe, an integrated NiMH battery backup, tamper protection and selectable low-current modes, the Odyssey 5E is aimed at installers and end users who need reliable, visible and audible external signalling without excessive bulk.

Key features at a glance:

• High acoustic output:~109 dB peak at 1 m for strong deterrence and neighbourhood alerting.
• Integrated strobe:1 Ws xenon flash tube with a typical flash rate of 1 Hz for visual signalling.
• Battery backup:Built-in 7.2 V NiMH (250 mAh) stack provides signalling if mains power is lost.
• Low-current modes:Selectable operating currents to suit a wide range of control panels without overloading outputs.
• Tamper protection:Adjustable wall and lid tamper to protect against sabotage.
• Durable enclosure:3 mm polycarbonate housing, IP44 rated for typical external exposure.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

The Odyssey 5E is a thoughtfully specified external bellbox. It balances audible clout with energy management, physical protection and practical installer features.

• Supply voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal), making it compatible with the majority of alarm panels and auxiliary supplies.
• Flash tube:1 Ws xenon tube delivering a bright, short-duration flash for visual alerting.
• Flash rate:Typically 1 Hz, which is effective for drawing attention without excessive visual distraction.
• Standby battery:Integrated NiMH stack, 7.2 V nominal, 250 mAh—this provides reserve power so the unit can continue to signal if mains power is lost or cut by an intruder.
• Current drain (typical):Multiple selectable levels: approximately 285 mA (max strobe/active), 160 mA, 30 mA and a quiescent 18 mA at 13.7 V DC. These options let installers manage panel loading and battery endurance.

• Sound level:109 dB peak at 1 m (A-weighted, measured at 90° in SAB mode), which is loud enough to deter intruders and alert occupants and neighbours.
• Cut-off time:Under 15 minutes—complies with common alarm signalling durations for safety and nuisance management.
• Operating temperature:-25 °C to +55 °C; the unit is suitable for a wide range of UK and similar climates.
• Standards compliance:Designed to meet PD6662 / EN50131-1 & -4 Grade 2 Class IV, appropriate for typical domestic and light-commercial installations.

• Material and build:3 mm polycarbonate enclosure offers impact resistance while keeping the unit relatively lightweight (packed weight approx. 1250 g).
• Protection rating:IP44 on the Premier Odyssey 5E—splash-resistant and suitable for sheltered external mounting.
• Tamper detection:Adjustable wall and lid tamper switches reduce the chance of unnoticed tampering or removal.
• Engineer Hold-Off mode:A patented feature to prevent accidental activation during installation or servicing, reducing false alarms and wear on the system.

Together, these specifications provide a bellbox that is loud, visible, robust and installer-friendly. The selectable current modes and battery backup are particularly valuable: they ensure the sounder can be used with lower-powered outputs and remain effective during a mains cut.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

The Odyssey 5E has been designed with specific real-world situations in mind. Typical uses include:

• Domestic premises:Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses where a clear external deterrent can dissuade opportunistic burglars and alert neighbours.
• Small retail and service outlets:Shops, salons and offices where a visible external alarm helps protect stock and equipment outside normal business hours.
• Light-commercial sites:Workshops, small warehouses and outbuildings where the Grade 2 rating is appropriate and a weather-resistant external device is required.
• Temporary or remote locations:Properties with intermittent mains supply benefit from the built-in NiMH battery; the low-current mode options help when using smaller control panels or auxiliary circuits.
• Noise-sensitive areas:Where full-time high-current strobing or prolonged sirens are undesirable, the selectable current modes and engineer hold-off provide more nuanced control and reduce nuisance activations during maintenance.

In neighbourhood deterrence roles, the combination of 109 dB sound and a bright xenon flash makes the unit effective at drawing attention quickly. For installers, the compact footprint and adjustable tamper options make siting straightforward while meeting common British standards.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

Compared with other external bellboxes in the domestic and light-commercial segment, the Odyssey 5E competes on several fronts:

• Acoustic output:Many external bellboxes deliver sound levels in the 100–115 dB range. At 109 dB peak, the Odyssey 5E sits comfortably within the high-performance band without being excessively large.
• Battery integration:Some lower-cost alternatives omit internal batteries or use smaller capacities; the Odyssey 5E integrates a 7.2 V NiMH stack which improves resilience during power cuts.
• Selectable current modes:Not all competitor units offer multiple current drain options. This flexibility minimises the need for additional external circuitry or relays when integrating with different panels.
• Standards and tamper features:The Grade 2 compliance and adjustable tamper detection place the Odyssey 5E alongside reputable branded bellboxes rather than generic no-name units that may lack certification or installer-friendly features.
• Weather resistance:With IP44 protection, the unit is suitable for most sheltered external mounting. For fully exposed maritime or industrial environments, some rival products with IP65/IP66 might be preferred, but those typically come at higher cost and size.

In short, the Odyssey 5E is aimed at buyers who want a proven, standards-compliant external sounder/strobe with installer features and battery backup, without stepping up to larger, more expensive industrial-grade solutions.

Customer testimonials and installer feedback

Official, specific customer testimonials for the FCE-0018 are not provided here. However, common feedback themes from installers and users of the Texecom Odyssey series typically include:

• Reliable performance:Installers often report that the Odyssey units are dependable in real installations and that the internal battery provides sufficient reserve for signalling during short mains interruptions.
• Ease of installation:The compact footprint, clear wiring options and Engineer Hold-Off mode reduce commissioning time and accidental alarms during setup.
• Appropriate loudness:End users frequently comment that the sound level is effective for deterrence without being needlessly excessive, and the strobe adds an important visual cue for neighbours and CCTV verification.
• Build quality:The polycarbonate housing and tamper switches are considered robust for domestic and light-commercial applications.

If you require verified testimonials or case studies, check with authorised Texecom distributors or installer forums where documented installation reports and real-world performance notes can often be found.

Safety, installation and compliance notes

Installations should always be carried out by qualified engineers in accordance with local regulations and the Texecom installation manual. Key points to observe:

• Isolate mains before installation and test the Engineer Hold-Off mode while commissioning to prevent accidental activations.
• Use recommended replacement NiMH packs if battery maintenance is required and dispose of batteries per local environmental rules.
• Confirm that the IP44 rating suits the chosen mounting location; for exposed coastal sites consider higher IP-rated alternatives.
• Verify PD6662 / EN50131 Grade 2 Class IV compliance as required by the specification of the site and insurance requirements.

Conclusion: why the Texecom Premier Odyssey 5E is a strong choice

The Texecom Premier Odyssey 5E (FCE-0018) is a well-balanced external sounder and xenon strobe that targets domestic and light-commercial security needs. With a 109 dB acoustic output, integrated 1 Ws strobe, selectable current modes, and a built-in NiMH backup battery, it provides the features most installers and end users expect from a mid-range external bellbox. The unit is built to recognised British standards and includes practical installation features such as Engineer Hold-Off and adjustable tamper detection.

For buyers seeking a durable, standards-compliant external alarm device that is installer-friendly and effective at both deterrence and signalling, the Odyssey 5E is an attractive option. It competes well with comparable units by offering a thoughtful combination of audible power, visual signalling and energy management without the size or cost of high-end industrial sirens. If you are specifying a Grade 2 external bellbox for a home, small shop or light-commercial building, the Texecom Premier Odyssey 5E deserves serious consideration.

Pricing and availability note:The provided cost_price value is assumed as GBP 37.81 with a suggested retail price of GBP 46.00. Please confirm the currency and whether prices include VAT/ex-VAT with your supplier. Also verify warranty details with the vendor, as no manufacturer warranty information was provided in the specification set.