Introduction to the Texecom GBT-0001 Premier Elite Odyssey 5‑W Backplate
Texecom GBT-0001 Premier Elite Odyssey 5‑Wis the wireless electronics backplate for the Odyssey 5 external sounder family. Designed for professional installers and security integrators, this unit houses the Ricochet® 868 MHz wireless radio module, piezo siren circuitry, xenon strobe driver, battery compartment and tamper switches. The outer cover/faceplate is sold separately, allowing choice of finish and IP protection level to suit site needs.
At a suggested retail price of 99.99 (cost price 83.36 for trade/resellers), the Odyssey 5‑W backplate is positioned as a flexible, installer‑friendly solution for outdoor alarm signalling where a wireless connection and high-performance audible/visual deterrent are required.
Key features at a glance
- Ricochet 868 MHz wireless mesh— relays signals between devices to extend range and resilience.
- High-output piezo siren— typical reseller listings show 105 dB(A); Texecom lists variant peak values from 109 to 115 dB depending on the model variant.
- Xenon strobe— 1 Ws flash tube with an approximate 1 Hz flash rate for strong visual signalling.
- Battery powered— typically 8 x AA cells (lithium recommended for best life and temperature tolerance); some variants include internal standby battery options.
- Tamper protection & engineer hold-off— wall and lid tamper microswitches plus an installation hold-off to prevent nuisance alarms while servicing.
- Weather‑resistant electronics— sealed electronics suitable for external use when paired with the appropriate Odyssey cover (IP rating depends on chosen cover/variant).
Detailed specifications and the benefits they bring
- Product type: Wireless external sounder backplate (Odyssey 5)
- Model / SKU: GBT-0001
- Includes: Electronics/backplate only — cover/faceplate sold separately
- Tamper switches: Wall and lid tamper microswitches (protects against removal or tamper attempts)
- Operating temperature: -25 +55 C
- Radio: Ricochet wireless mesh
- Frequency: 868 MHz (regional compliance required)
- Supply voltage: 1212 (nominal 13.7 V)
- Primary battery: 8 x AA (typical for wireless Odyssey models). Lithium cells recommended for long life and extended temperature range.
- Standby battery: Internal 7.2 V Ni-MH 250 mAh (model dependent)
- Quiescent current: ≈ 18 mA (model dependent)
- Strobe current: ≈ 100 mA when active (typical)
- Acoustic output: 105 dB(A) typical (many reseller listings); Texecom lists variant peak values 109 109 115 dB (model dependent)
- Strobe: Xenon flash tube, 1 Ws, approx. 1 Hz flash rate
- Cut-off time: 15 minutes (or panel cut-off time)
- Standards: Refer to Texecom manual — EN50131 / PD6662 references (grade varies by variant)
- Grade / Class: Commonly listed as Grade 2 (some variants list higher); confirm with unit datasheet for site-specific grading
Benefits summary: the GBT-0001 provides a robust wireless signalling core with mesh networking to improve reliability and range, a powerful audible siren and a bright xenon strobe for visual deterrence. Installer-friendly features such as engineer hold-off and tamper switches reduce false activations during commissioning while sealed electronics ensure outdoor suitability when fitted with an appropriate cover.
Use cases and scenarios where the Odyssey 5‑W excels
- Remote properties and outbuildings:Where running long cable runs is impractical or expensive, the Ricochet mesh lets sounders communicate with the alarm panel via nearby wireless nodes, making the Odyssey backplate a strong choice for barns, workshops and detached garages.
- Retrofit installations:Upgrading legacy alarm systems to modern wireless signalling without full rewire is simplified by a backplate that integrates with panels via relay/wiring connections while providing wireless radio connectivity for other devices.
- Distributed commercial sites:Sites with multiple buildings or separated external areas benefit from the mesh network to relay signals reliably between devices and maintain alarm coverage across wider areas.
- High-visibility deterrence:The combination of a high dB piezo siren and a xenon strobe creates both an audible and visible deterrent to intruders, ideal for properties that require clear external signalling to neighbours and passers-by.
- Installer-focused deployments:Engineer hold-off, tamper monitoring and modular cover options make this backplate suitable for professional installers who value fast commissioning and configurable environmental protection.
How the GBT-0001 compares with similar products
When comparing external wireless sounder backplates and complete sounder units, consider five main axes: wireless reliability, acoustic power, visual signalling, installation flexibility and environmental protection.
- Wireless reliability:Texecom uses Ricochet mesh, which is designed to improve range by relaying signals between compatible devices. This is comparable to other mesh solutions on the market and offers an advantage over single-hop proprietary radios or point-to-point links in complex sites.
- Acoustic output:The Odyssey family lists high dB values (reseller typical 105 dB(A); Texecom peak variants 109–115 dB). Competing units may use electronic sirens or speakers with different frequency profiles; check datasheets if a specific frequency response or SPL is critical.
- Visual signalling:The xenon 1 Ws strobe delivers a bright flash that remains a common choice for external deterrence. Some competitors use high-power LEDs for lower current draw or different flash patterns; selection depends on desired visibility versus power budget.
- Installation flexibility:The GBT-0001 backplate approach (electronics separate from cover) gives installers flexibility to choose IP rating/finish. Some competing products come as sealed all-in-one units, which can simplify installation but reduce cover customization.
- Power options:Many wireless sounders in this class use AA batteries; the use of 8 x AA (with internal Ni-MH standby options on some variants) is common. For the lowest maintenance, compare battery life figures and support for lithium cells.
Overall, the GBT-0001 is competitive where mesh networking, installer configurability and strong audible/visual signalling are priorities. For sites demanding the absolute highest IP rating or the lowest current draw LED strobes may offer trade-offs to consider.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Public and trade feedback for the Odyssey family commonly highlights:
- Ease of commissioning with engineered hold-off and tamper monitoring that reduces false alarms during installation.
- Reliable wireless range in mesh deployments when combined with other Ricochet-enabled Texecom devices.
- Strong visible and audible deterrence — customers comment that the siren and strobe combination is effective at attracting attention and discouraging intruders.
Representative installer comments (paraphrased from industry forums and reseller notes):
- "Great for outbuildings where cabling is a pain; the mesh keeps everything talking reliably."
- "We like that the electronics come separate from the cover— lets us pick the IP rating for the job."
- "Battery life is solid with lithium AAs and the tamper switches give peace of mind for exterior installs."
Note: these comments are generalised impressions drawn from installer feedback and reseller summaries. Always consult real customer reviews and site reports for detailed performance claims.
Conclusion: Why choose the Premier Elite Odyssey 5‑W (GBT-0001)?
The Texecom GBT-0001 Premier Elite Odyssey 5‑W backplate is a strong choice for professional installers seeking a flexible, high-performance wireless signalling core for external sirens. Its Ricochet 868 MHz mesh capability improves range and resilience across multi-building or challenging sites, while the high-output piezo siren and xenon strobe provide both audible and visual deterrence. Installer-focused features such as engineer hold-off, tamper microswitches, and a separable cover design make it adaptable to a wide range of deployments.
Before specifying the unit, confirm the exact acoustic rating, IP rating and EN50131/PD6662 grade for the specific variant you intend to use by consulting the official Texecom datasheet and installation manual. When used correctly with the appropriate Odyssey cover and power options (lithium AAs recommended), the GBT-0001 delivers a versatile and reliable external signalling solution suitable for residential, agricultural and commercial sites.
