Introduction to the Texecom Premier Odyssey 1E External Sounder & Strobe
Texecom Premier Odyssey 1E (FCA-0002)is a wired external alarm sounder and strobe designed for residential and light-commercial intruder alarm installations. It combines a high-output 109 dB(A) piezo sounder with an integrated 1 Ws xenon strobe to provide both audible and visual deterrence. Built into a robust 3 mm polycarbonate enclosure with IP44 environmental protection, the unit includes an internal NiMH standby battery, tamper detection (lid and wall), selectable current/sound modes to manage panel load, and an Engineer Hold-Off mode for safe installation and maintenance.
Key features at a glance
- High sound output:109 dB(A) peak at 1 m for strong audible deterrence.
- Integrated strobe:1 Ws xenon strobe with approximately 1 Hz flash for visual signaling.
- Battery backup:Internal 7.2 V NiMH battery (250 mAh) with monitoring and fault output.
- Selectable modes:Strobe and sound/current modes (SAB/SCB/Low Current) to reduce panel drain and allow multiple sounders on a circuit.
- Tamper protection:Lid and wall tamper on the 1E variant to signal tampering attempts.
- Weather-resistant construction:3 mm polycarbonate enclosure, IP44 rating.
- Installation safety:Engineer Hold-Off for safe commissioning and maintenance.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The Premier Odyssey 1E is designed to operate from a nominal 13.7 V DC supply (12–16 V DC range). The integrated strobe consumes around 100 mA, and the selectable sound/current modes present typical active currents of 285 mA, 160 mA, or a Low Current 30 mA mode, with a quiescent current of approximately 18 mA. The internal standby battery is a 7.2 V NiMH pack rated at 250 mAh, and the device provides battery monitoring and a fault output to the alarm control panel. Discharge time is specified as less than 180 seconds under specified conditions.
Benefits: The selectable current modes are particularly useful for installers who need to manage panel output capacity and connect multiple sounders on a single circuit. The battery backup ensures the external sounder will continue to operate during a mains failure, maintaining deterrence and signaling until the system can be reset.
Sound level is rated at 109 dB(A) peak at 1 metre, making the Odyssey 1E an effective deterrent in typical domestic and small commercial settings. The strobe is a 1 Ws xenon device with an approximate 1 Hz flash rate, delivering a clear visual alarm signal even in daylight conditions. Operating temperature is wide-ranging (−25 °C to +55 °C), with storage tolerance up to +60 °C. The unit has a cut-off time of less than 15 minutes, and its IP44 rating provides splash resistance suitable for many outdoor mounting locations.
Benefits: High decibel output combined with a bright strobe increases the probability that intruders are frightened off and that neighbours or passers-by are alerted. The weather-resilient rating and broad operating temperature range mean reliable performance in most temperate climates.
Constructed from 3 mm polycarbonate, the enclosure measures 318 × 201 × 67 mm (H × W × D) and has a packed weight of approximately 1.25 kg. The 1E variant includes wall and lid tamper detection for enhanced security. The design balances robustness with ease of installation and maintenance access.
Benefits: Polycarbonate is impact-resistant and UV-stable, providing long-term durability in outdoor environments without the corrosion risks of some metal boxes. The relatively compact footprint makes the unit suitable for a wide range of properties while still offering a highly visible alarm presence.
Installation should be carried out by a qualified alarm engineer and follow manufacturer instructions and relevant local regulations. The Odyssey 1E includes an Engineer Hold-Off mode to prevent accidental triggering during wiring and commissioning. Battery condition should be checked before handover. Compliance details and approvals are provided on the official Texecom datasheet and declaration of conformity—consult the manufacturer for CE/UKCA documentation.
Use cases and scenarios where the Odyssey 1E excels
The Premier Odyssey 1E is versatile and well-suited to a range of applications where a wired external alarm is required. Typical use cases include:
- Domestic properties:Detached and semi-detached homes, where a visible external box and loud alarm reduce the likelihood of burglary and attract attention from neighbours.
- Light-commercial sites:Small offices, retail premises, and workshops where a compact but powerful deterrent is needed without large installation complexity.
- Multiple-sounder installations:Installations that need several external sounders can benefit from the selectable current modes to avoid overloading the control panel and maximise system coverage.
- Remote or off-grid sites:Locations with unreliable mains supply where the internal battery backup helps maintain alarm operation until a return to mains power.
- Renovations and temporary installations:Properties undergoing works where a rugged, weather-resistant alarm is required for a limited period and where Engineer Hold-Off reduces accidental activation during fitting.
Practical installer considerations: The relatively low quiescent current and selectable modes let installers tailor the unit to the panel’s output and the number of sounders required. Tamper outputs can be wired back to the panel to create a full tamper reporting scheme for increased security auditability.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
The external alarm market offers several approaches: simple piezo sirens, electronic sirens, combined sounder-strobe units, and wireless variants. Against this backdrop, the Premier Odyssey 1E has several competitive strengths:
- Integrated strobe and high dB output:Many basic external sirens either omit a strobe or deliver lower sound levels. The 109 dB piezo output plus a 1 Ws xenon strobe provides both strong audible and visual deterrence in a compact package.
- Selectable current modes:Higher-end units often provide configurable current draw to enable multiple devices on one output; the Odyssey 1E’s SAB/SCB/Low Current options let installers optimize panel capacity without costly rewiring.
- Battery backup and monitoring:Not all external sounders include an internal battery or a dedicated fault output. The Odyssey 1E’s battery monitoring increases system resilience and improves maintenance reporting.
- Construction vs metal bells:Polycarbonate housings are lighter and corrosion-resistant compared to metal bell boxes. While some installers prefer metal for perceived robustness, modern polycarbonate offers excellent impact resistance and longevity outdoors.
- IP rating considerations:IP44 provides splash resistance suitable for many UK and temperate installations. For harsher conditions (marine environments or constant heavy spray), higher IP-rated units (IP65/IP66) may be preferable.
Overall, the Odyssey 1E occupies a middle-to-upper position for installers seeking a dependable, feature-rich wired external sounder without moving into specialist high-weatherproofing or large commercial alarm territory.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
No verified customer testimonials are provided with the supplied product data. However, based on the product specification and typical installer experience, common points of feedback likely to appear in reviews include:
- "Clear, loud output for a compact unit" — installers appreciate the 109 dB rating for domestic applications where a big deterrent is needed without oversized hardware.
- "Useful selectable modes" — ability to reduce current draw to allow more devices on a single circuit is often highlighted as a practical advantage during system design.
- "Battery backup provides peace of mind" — clients and engineers frequently note the value of internal battery operation and fault reporting for reliability in power-failure scenarios.
- "Easy to install and commission" — Engineer Hold-Off and straightforward wiring reduce risk of accidental alarms during setup.
If you require authentic user reviews, consult reseller sites, trade forums, or ask installers for site references. These sources will provide real-world performance anecdotes, installation tips, and long-term reliability reports.
Pricing, warranty and purchasing notes
Typical suggested retail pricing is around {39.99} (suggested_price: {39.99}) with a cost price of approximately {32.58} (cost_price: {32.58}) for trade purchasing. Warranty information is not specified in the supplied data; buyers should check with the retailer or Texecom for the current warranty and support terms before purchase. Also request the official datasheet and conformity documents for compliance and installation guidance.
Conclusion: why the Premier Odyssey 1E is a strong choice
The Texecom Premier Odyssey 1E (FCA-0002) offers a well-balanced package for anyone specifying an external wired alarm sounder and strobe. Its combination of high audible output (109 dB), integrated xenon strobe, internal battery backup, tamper detection, selectable current modes, and a robust polycarbonate enclosure makes it especially suitable for residential and light-commercial installations. The Engineer Hold-Off feature and battery monitoring add installer-friendly touches that reduce commissioning risk and improve ongoing reliability.
While other products may offer higher ingress protection or wireless convenience, the Odyssey 1E stands out for its practical feature set, straightforward installation, and effective deterrent performance at a competitive price point. For installations where a reliable, wired external alarm is required, this unit deserves strong consideration—particularly when ease of installation, battery-backed operation, and configurable current options are priorities.
For full technical details, approvals and declarations of conformity (CE/UKCA), and installation instructions, consult the official Texecom datasheet for the Premier Odyssey 1E (FCA-0002) or speak with an authorised Texecom reseller or installation partner.
