Introduction to the Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E and its key features
Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E (FCD-0209)is a low-profile external wired alarm sounder designed for residential and light-commercial security installations. Combining a powerful 109 dB(A) piezo sounder with an integrated blue xenon strobe, a compact polycarbonate enclosure and a range of installer-friendly features, the Odyssey 4E is built to provide a clear audible and visual deterrent without compromising on reliability or ease of installation. Key highlights include the 109 dB peak output, a 1 Ws xenon flash tube with an approximately 1 Hz flash rate, selectable supervised operating modes, internal NiMH backup battery and Texecoms patented Engineer Hold-off mode to simplify commissioning and maintenance.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The Odyssey 4E is engineered with practical performance and installer convenience in mind. Below are the technical specifications and the practical benefits they deliver in real-world installations.
- Supply voltage:12 6 V DC (13.7 V nominal) — standard for most alarm control panels and power supplies, ensuring compatibility with common systems.
- Strobe flash tube:1 Ws xenon — bright, instantaneous flashes that attract attention and help with visual identification of alarm activation.
- Flash rate:~1 Hz (tamper-secure alternating flash 1 Hz) — balances visibility with power consumption while providing a recognizable warning signature.
- Current drain:Modes vary (e.g., 285 mA / 160 mA / 30 mA; strobe ≈100 mA; quiescent ≈18 mA at 13.7 V) — selectable modes allow installers to manage power budgets, including low-current options for systems with limited supply capacity.
- Standby battery:Integrated NiMH stack, 7.2 V nominal, 250 mAh — provides internal backup to maintain alarm signalling during short power interruptions and helps meet supervision requirements.
- Operating modes:Selectable SAB/SCB, jumper-selectable low-current option and Engineer Hold-off mode — these options allow the sounder to operate supervised when required, minimize battery drain where appropriate and prevent nuisance activation during service.
- Sound level:109 dB(A) peak @ 1 m — a strong deterrent level that is audible across a substantial external area.
- Operating temperature:625 C to +55 C — suitable for the typical outdoor environments found in residential and light-commercial settings.
- Environmental protection:Electronics module rated IP44 (Odyssey 4E) — protected against splashing water and solid objects greater than 1 mm; the robust polycarbonate housing adds mechanical durability.
- Material & dimensions:3 mm polycarbonate enclosure; 310 mm 196 mm 58.5 mm (H W D) — low-profile appearance that blends with many façades while providing sufficient volume for acoustic performance.
- Tamper protection:Wall and lid tamper switches (adjustable) — supports supervised tamper reporting to the control panel for enhanced security.
- Standards & approvals:Conforms to PD6662 / EN50131 and relevant EMC approvals (see datasheet) — helps ensure the product meets recognized intruder alarm system requirements when installed and configured correctly.
- High audibility:The 109 dB peak output makes the Odyssey 4E effective at drawing attention over surrounding noise — a core requirement for external deterrents.
- Visual confirmation:The blue xenon strobe adds a conspicuous visual alarm, useful for passers-by, neighbours and CCTV operators to quickly identify the triggered location.
- Backup resilience:The internal NiMH battery provides immediate short-term backup without the need for a separate external battery box, simplifying installs.
- Installer-friendly features:Engineer Hold-off lets technicians work without triggering full alarm conditions; selectable supervised modes and low-current jumpers allow easy integration with various panels and supervision schemes.
- Durable but discreet:The polycarbonate housing and modest profile ensure a robust external device that does not dominate the propertys appearance.
Use cases and scenarios where the Odyssey 4E excels
The Odyssey 4E is well suited to a range of installations where a reliable external warning device is needed without the complexity or cost of larger industrial systems. Typical use cases include:
- Residential properties:For home alarm systems where a visible and audible deterrent is needed to alert neighbours and discourage intruders. The compact form and blue strobe provide a clear signal while remaining aesthetically acceptable on facades.
- Small retail outlets and offices:Light-commercial premises benefit from the supervised modes and tamper detection, which help meet insurers expectations for external signalling when required.
- Outbuildings and garages:Where space is limited, the integrated backup battery and low-current options make the unit a practical choice without additional power infrastructure.
- Temporary or seasonal sites:Engineer Hold-off is particularly useful where systems are commissioned or where the alarm might need to be temporarily silenced for maintenance, without compromising long-term supervision.
- Properties requiring visual identification:The blue xenon strobe offers high visibility for CCTV operators or emergency responders attempting to locate an activated alarm quickly.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing an external sounder, installers and end users typically weigh factors such as sound output, visual signalling, supervision, installation complexity and durability. Heres how the Odyssey 4E stacks up against common alternatives:
Audible-only sirens may be cheaper and draw less current, but they lack the powerful visual indication of a xenon strobe. The Odyssey 4Es integrated strobe increases the chances of the alarm being noticed quickly and helps with identification of the triggered property, an advantage for urban or visually complex settings.
LED strobes are energy-efficient and long-lived, but xenon strobes produce very bright, instantaneous flashes that can be more noticeable in bright daylight and from longer distances. For external alarms where daytime visibility is important, the 1 Ws xenon tube is still a strong performer.
Industrial sounders often deliver higher dB ratings and offer greater ingress protection (e.g., IP65+), but they may be physically larger, more obtrusive and more costly. The Odyssey 4E aims at residential and light-commercial use where a balance of performance, appearance and cost is desired.
Wireless sounders remove cabling needs but require reliable RF and may rely on larger batteries or periodic battery changes. The wired Odyssey 4E provides continuous power with an internal short-term backup and supervised modes that are often preferred by professional installers for reliability and compliance.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
While individual experiences vary with installation circumstances, feedback collected from typical installer and end-user reports highlights several consistent points:
- Installer feedback:Installers appreciate the Odyssey 4E for its clear documentation, compact enclosure and the Engineer Hold-off feature, which simplifies commissioning and testing without repeated panel alarms. The jumper-selectable low-current mode is often noted as useful when integrating with panels that have limited auxiliary outputs.
- Homeowner comments:Homeowners and small business operators commonly cite the loudness and clear visual flash as reassuring; several users report that the units appearance is unobtrusive compared with larger metal sirens.
- Performance observations:Where monitored, the supervised modes and tamper switches are valued for meeting insurer or local requirements and for the added confidence they provide in the event of attempted sabotage.
Conclusion: why the Texecom Odyssey 4E is a great choice
The Texecom Premier Odyssey 4E (FCD-0209) offers a compelling blend of audible power, strong visual signalling and practical installer-friendly features tailored to residential and light-commercial applications. With a 109 dB(A) peak sound output, a bright blue xenon strobe, internal NiMH backup and selectable supervised modes (including Engineer Hold-off), the Odyssey 4E provides the reliability and flexibility that professional installers and end users expect.
Its modest size and polycarbonate construction help it blend with property aesthetics while remaining durable, and its compliance with PD6662 / EN50131 and EMC approvals (as indicated by Texecom) makes it a sensible choice where recognised standards are important. For projects that require a balanced external alarm solution without the cost or footprint of heavy industrial devices, the Odyssey 4E represents a robust, well-specified option.
Practical tip:As with all intruder alarm equipment, correct installation and configuration are essential. Follow the manufacturers datasheet and local regulations, isolate power when wiring, and use the devices Engineer Hold-off during commissioning to avoid unnecessary alarm activations. When specified and installed by a competent installer, the Odyssey 4E delivers the audible and visual deterrence most homeowners and small businesses need at a competitive price point.
