Texecom Odyssey External Sounders Guide

Odyssey is Texecom's range of external sounders (bell boxes). The Odyssey 1 to 5 are the established styles, each sold in a Premier Elite version (115dB, Grade 3) and a lower-cost "E" version (109dB, Grade 2 on the models we have checked), plus matching dummies. Odyssey X is the newer modular range, where you choose a backplate for the grade and features and a separate X1 or X3 cover for the look.

Watch: Texecom Odyssey External Sounders

The sounder is one part of a complete system; see our Texecom alarm systems guide for panels, detectors and keypads.

Premier Elite vs E: what is the difference?

Elite versions are louder, have an extra screw tamper and are Grade 3. E versions are Grade 2. The comparison below uses the Odyssey 1 as the example, from Texecom product data.

Premier Elite Odyssey 1 (FCA-0120)Premier Odyssey 1E (FCA-0001)
Volume115dB109dB
SoundersTwin piezoNot listed as twin
TamperScrew, lid and wallLid and wall
GradingPD6662:2017 Grade 3 Class IVPD6662:2017 Grade 2 Class IV
Shared featuresWeather-resistant polycarbonate, patented Safety Engineer Hold-off Mode, selectable SAB/SCB mode, strobe tube saver, twin alternating LEDs

The same pattern applies to the Odyssey 3: the Premier Elite Odyssey 3 external sounder is 115dB and Grade 3, while the Premier Odyssey 3E is 109dB and Grade 2. Match the sounder grade to your panel; see Texecom Premier Elite control panels compared.

Odyssey 1 to 5: choosing a style

The numbers are different cover designs. The Premier Elite versions of the Odyssey 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 all share 115dB, twin piezo sounders, screw, lid and wall tamper and Grade 3 Class IV, so choose by appearance and by what is already on the building.

For extra physical strength, the Premier Elite Odyssey 3 Metal uses polycarbonate and metal construction with the same 115dB and Grade 3 Class IV rating.

Odyssey 5 Compact

Choose the Compact for a smaller bell box. The Premier Elite Odyssey 5 Compact external sounder keeps 115dB, twin piezo sounders and PD6662:2017 Grade 3 Class IV, with lid and wall tamper. An Odyssey 5E Compact and an Odyssey 5 Compact dummy are also available.

Backplates, covers and dummies

Complete sounders are the simplest buy. The range is also sold as separate parts:

  • Backplates hold the electronics, for example the Premier Elite Odyssey 5 backplate (FCE-0042). Use these to repair or upgrade an existing box.
  • Covers are the outer shell, such as the Odyssey 5 cover in white/blue (FCE-0001), Odyssey 3 covers in black or dull chrome/blue, and Odyssey 4 in white.
  • Dummies are non-operational deterrent boxes that match the live sounder, such as the Odyssey 2 dummy sounder. Dummy backplates are also sold for most styles.

Odyssey X: the modular range

With Odyssey X you buy a backplate module and a cover separately. Texecom notes that X covers accept photo-quality custom graphic inserts.

Odyssey X backplateSounderBacklightGrade
Odyssey X (WDD-0002)115dB(A) twin piezoNoGrade 3 Class IV, EN50131-4
Odyssey X-E (WDD-0001)109dB(A) piezoNoGrade 2 Class IV, EN50131-4
Odyssey X-B (WDC-0002)115dB(A) twin piezoIntegrated backlight LEDsGrade 3 Class IV, EN50131-4
Odyssey X-BE (WDC-0001)Backlit version of the X-E (see product page for details)See product page
Odyssey X-W (GBV-0001), wireless105dB(A) piezoSelectable comfort LEDsGrade 2 Class IV

The wired X backplates share wall and cover tamper, Texecom's patented engineer hold-off mode and alternating white LED indication. The Grade 3 Odyssey X external sounder backplate adds battery monitoring with fault output. The Odyssey X-B backlit backplate lights up the cover and any graphic insert.

Then pick a cover: X1 and X3 covers come in several frame and lens colours, such as the Odyssey X1 cover in white/blue. X1 covers are compatible with integral backlighting and graphic inserts. For a deterrent, there are the Odyssey X-D dummy backplate and the X-BD backlit dummy.

Wireless: Odyssey X-W and Odyssey -W

Where cabling to the outside wall is hard, the Ricochet Odyssey X-W wireless sounder runs on 8 x AA lithium batteries (included) and uses Ricochet mesh technology. Ricochet versions of Odyssey 1 to 5 are also listed. Note that Texecom states the Ricochet Expansion Pack is not compatible with wireless sounders; our guide to Texecom Ricochet wireless explains which expanders to use.

Texecom video guides

Video: Odyssey X illuminated external sounders from Texecom (Texecom)

Video: How to add an Odyssey X-W to a Texecom alarm system (Texecom)

Video: How To Enable Hold Off Mode On A Texecom Odyssey Sounder Using A Premier Elite Security System (Texecom)

Contact Zenith Security Co

Need help choosing the right Texecom equipment? Our team can advise on compatibility, grading and system design.

  • Email: sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk
  • Phone: 01902 902251
  • Trade counter: Unit 3, Park View Centre, 243 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton WV2 3JU
  • Fast delivery across England, Scotland and Wales on all Texecom products

Frequently asked questions

What does the "E" mean on a Texecom Odyssey?

E versions are the Grade 2 models. On the Odyssey 1E and 3E, Texecom lists 109dB and lid and wall tamper, against 115dB and screw, lid and wall tamper on the Grade 3 Elite versions.

Do Odyssey X backplates come with a cover?

No. Odyssey X covers are sold separately.

Is there a dummy Texecom bell box?

Yes. Dummy sounders and dummy backplates are available for Odyssey 1 to 5, the Odyssey 5 Compact and Odyssey X.

What is Safety Engineer Hold-off Mode?

It is a patented Texecom feature listed on Odyssey sounders and Odyssey X backplates. For how to use it during installation and servicing, see the Texecom installation manual for your model.

Next step

Shop Texecom Odyssey external sounders, or start with the Premier Elite Odyssey 5.