Introduction to the Premier Elite Odyssey 4 Back Assembly (FCD-0258)
The Premier Elite Odyssey 4 Back Assembly (FCD-0258) is a purpose-built external alarm sounder designed for high-security residential and commercial intruder alarm systems. Combining a powerful 115 dB(A) audible output with a xenon strobe and alternating LEDs, the unit delivers clear, unmistakable external signalling. Encased in a 3 mm polycarbonate housing and featuring an IP65 sealed electronics module, the Odyssey 4 back assembly is engineered to withstand harsh outdoor conditions while offering installer-focused features such as selectable low-current modes, patented engineer hold-off and triple tamper protection.
Key Features at a Glance
- High acoustic output:115 dB(A) peak at 1 meter for strong external deterrence.
- Durable weatherproof construction:IP65 sealed electronics and 3 mm polycarbonate housing for reliable outdoor use.
- Combined audible and visual signalling:twin piezo sounders, 1 Ws xenon flash tube (~1 Hz) and alternating blue LEDs.
- Standby battery:internal 7.2 V NiMH stack (250 mAh) for limited autonomous operation and fault-monitoring capability.
- Advanced security features:triple tamper detection (wall, screw & lid) and selectable SAB/SCB/low-current modes to reduce panel load.
- Installer-friendly:patented engineer hold-off for safe commissioning and maintenance.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
- Supply Voltage:12–16 V DC (13.7 V nominal) — compatible with common intruder alarm panels.
- Peak Volume:115 dB(A) at 1 m (SAB mode, 13.7 V) — provides strong external deterrence and audible alarm transmission across property boundaries.
- Flash Tube:1 Ws xenon giving a typical flash rate of ~1 Hz — highly visible in daylight and nighttime conditions.
- Standby Battery:7.2 V NiMH stack, 250 mAh — supports limited autonomous operation and provides the panel with fault monitoring capability should mains fail or be tampered with.
- Current Drain:Strobe 100 mA; Odyssey 4 modes: 405 / 190 / 30 mA (depending on configuration); quiescent 18 mA — selectable modes let you optimise panel load and power budget.
- Cut-off Time:< 15 minutes — safety feature controlling autonomous sounding time.
- Ingress Protection:IP65 (sealed electronics module) — protects against dust ingress and low pressure water jets from any direction, suitable for exposed installations.
- Operating Temperature:-25 °C to +55 °C;Storage Temp:-25 °C to +60 °C — capable of withstanding a wide range of climates.
- Material & Dimensions:3 mm polycarbonate housing; 310 mm H × 196 mm W × 58.5 mm D — robust yet compact footprint to fit most external walls and back boxes.
- Packed Weight:≈1,250 g — relatively lightweight for easy handling during installation.
- Tamper Detection:Triple tamper (wall, screw & lid) reduces the risk of sabotage or covert removal.
- Standards:Designed to meet PD6662:2010 and EN50131-1 & EN50131-4 Grade 3 requirements — appropriate for higher-risk premises where Grade 3 signalling devices are specified.
Benefits of these combined specifications include reliable outdoor signalling in difficult weather, reduced false nuisance events through secure tamper detection, and flexible power management options for integration with a wide range of security panels. The IP65 sealed electronics and sturdy polycarbonate housing help to ensure longevity and reduced maintenance in exposed environments.
Use Cases and Ideal Scenarios
The Odyssey 4 back assembly excels in situations that require a robust external alarm device with strong audible and visual presence. Typical use cases include:
- High-security residential installations:Properties requiring an external deterrent with loud, visible signalling to alert neighbours and passers-by and to discourage intruders.
- Commercial premises:Retail outlets, offices or warehouses where an audible/visual external assembly is used as the live/back assembly for wired intruder alarm systems.
- Industrial sites and remote facilities:Locations where weather resistance, tamper protection and Grade 3 compliance are important for insurance or regulatory reasons.
- Contractor installations:Professional installers seeking a reliable, installer-friendly external sounder with configurable current modes and engineer hold-off for safe commissioning.
- Regulated categories:Sites needing compliance with PD6662 / EN50131 Grade 3 standards, such as certain commercial or high-risk residential properties.
Because of its selectable low-current modes and quiescent behaviour, the Odyssey 4 is especially useful on systems where panel current budgets or cabling constraints are a consideration. The internal NiMH stack provides a level of autonomy for fault monitoring, which can be critical on installations where continuous monitoring is required.
How the Odyssey 4 Compares with Other External Sounders
When evaluating external alarm sounders, the key differentiators are acoustic output, visual signalling type, ingress protection, tamper protection, power consumption and standards compliance. Against typical market alternatives, the Odyssey 4 stands out in several ways:
- Acoustic and visual impact:115 dB(A) peak is competitive with other Grade 3 external sounders. Combined with a xenon flash tube and alternating LEDs, the unit offers a traditional, very visible deterrent. Some modern competitors rely more on LED strobes which are more energy-efficient but may have slightly reduced daylight visibility compared to a xenon tube.
- Ingress protection:IP65-sealed electronics is a strong point for outdoor durability. Some budget sounders offer only IP54 or lesser protection, making them less suitable for exposed sites.
- Battery backup:The internal 7.2 V NiMH stack gives limited autonomy and fault reporting. Not all external sounders include internal batteries — many rely entirely on panel backup — so this feature increases resilience in some fault scenarios.
- Installer features:Selectable low-current modes and patented engineer hold-off are clear installer-friendly advantages. Lower-end units often lack these configurable modes and safety features, making commissioning and maintenance less convenient.
- Standards compliance:Rated to PD6662:2010 / EN50131 Grade 3 targets higher security applications. Cheaper alternatives may be suitable for lower-grade installations but may not meet Grade 3 requirements demanded by insurers.
In summary, the Odyssey 4 positions itself as a mid-to-high-end external back assembly that balances proven xenon/LED signalling technology with contemporary installer conveniences and strong environmental protection.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
No formal customer testimonials were provided with the product data. However, installer and integrator feedback for similar Odyssey-series devices tends to highlight a few recurring points:
- Positive:Reliable outdoor performance, straightforward installation, and the flexibility of selectable current modes which simplifies integration with a variety of panels.
- Positive:Robust tamper features and Grade 3 compliance are frequently cited by installers working on higher-risk commercial projects or where insurers require specific standards.
- Points to consider:The internal battery offers limited autonomy only — for extended operation during a mains outage a dedicated mains/battery system remains necessary. Also, xenon strobes, while highly visible, consume more power than LED-only alternatives.
For specific, real-world reviews, consult installer forums, trade suppliers or ask the vendor for references from recent installations.
Installation, Maintenance and Safety Notes
Installation should be carried out by a qualified installer and in accordance with local regulations and the Texecom Odyssey 4 datasheet. Disconnect power before performing maintenance. The patented engineer hold-off mode helps keep the strobe and sounder quiet during safe servicing, and triple tamper protection reduces the risk of covert interference. Always confirm compatibility with your alarm panel’s supply and current capabilities, and plan for battery and mains backup as required for your site’s continuity objectives.
Conclusion: Why Choose the Odyssey 4 Back Assembly?
The Premier Elite Odyssey 4 Back Assembly (FCD-0258) is a well-rounded choice for anyone specifying an external alarm sounder for higher-security applications. It combines a powerful 115 dB(A) audible output, xenon flash and LEDs for strong visual and acoustic deterrence, and a robust IP65-sealed electronics module for outdoor reliability. Installer-focused features — selectable current modes, patented engineer hold-off and triple tamper detection — streamline commissioning and improve on-site security. Compliance with PD6662 and EN50131 Grade 3 makes it suitable where formal standards are required, and the internal NiMH standby battery provides an extra layer of fault detection and limited autonomy.
While modern LED-based units can be more power-efficient, the Odyssey 4’s design prioritises visibility and reliability in demanding environments. Consider the Odyssey 4 when you need a proven, Grade 3-capable external back assembly that balances performance, durability and installation flexibility. For full technical details, installation instructions and compatibility guidance, refer to the official Texecom Odyssey 4 datasheet and consult a qualified installer.
