Originally published January 6, 2013. This article has been updated as a historical look at the Rugged Radios Revolution 686 intercom. The 686 is no longer listed in the company’s current intercom lineup.
When Rugged Radios introduced the Revolution 686 in 2013, its most distinctive feature was a waterproof touch-membrane control panel. The electronic controls replaced traditional rotary knobs and provided finer adjustment of intercom volume and voice-activated—or VOX—microphone sensitivity.
Users could hold the plus or minus button to move quickly through the available settings, then press either button individually for finer adjustment. Rugged Radios said the system provided more than three times as many incremental volume and VOX settings as its conventional controls.
Digital Memory Retained Intercom Settings
The Revolution 686 also featured digital memory. Once the volume and VOX levels were adjusted, the intercom retained those settings after the vehicle was turned off. That eliminated the need to readjust the system every time the UTV was started.
The 686 supported hands-free VOX communication for two to four occupants and could be expanded to accommodate as many as eight people. Automatic music muting reduced the music level whenever someone spoke, helping occupants communicate over engine, drivetrain and wind noise.
Rugged Radios Revolution 686 Features
- Waterproof touch-membrane control panel
- Incremental volume and VOX adjustment with a scrolling function
- Digital memory that retained settings after power was removed
- Two- to four-person VOX communication
- Expandable configuration for as many as eight occupants
- Automatic music muting during conversations
- Black billet-aluminum CNC-machined faceplate
- Transformer-based circuitry
- Shielded aluminum extrusion housing
- Detachable rear music, phone and audio connection
- Adjustable-depth and adjustable-angle mounting
- Microphone gain adjustment
- High-output music amplifier
- Isolated grounds designed to reduce ground-loop interference
- Optional phone connection cable
Optional Digital Speech Processing
Rugged Radios offered an optional digital signal processing chip for the Revolution 686. The DSP system was designed to reduce background noise and process the user’s voice for clearer communication in loud off-road vehicles.
Dimensions and Applications
The Revolution 686 measured 4.5 inches wide and 6.375 inches deep. It operated from a 12-volt electrical system and was designed for UTVs, off-road race cars, prerunners, Jeeps, sand cars, rock crawlers and rally vehicles.
At the time, suitable UTV applications included machines such as the Polaris RZR, Kawasaki TERYX, Can-Am Commander and Yamaha Rhino. Its expandable passenger capacity also made it useful in multi-seat recreational and competition vehicles.
How the Revolution 686 Fits into Today’s Rugged Radios Lineup
The Revolution 686 is now a legacy product and is not included in Rugged Radios’ current online intercom collection. Its combination of hands-free passenger communication, electronic controls, retained settings and automatic music muting helped establish features that remain important in modern UTV communication systems.
Current recreational options include the Rugged Radios 696 PLUS intercom, which adds Bluetooth phone and music connectivity, independent volume and VOX controls, five-seat capability, audio recording output and updated electrical-interference shielding.
Rugged Radios also offers complete UTV radio and intercom kits with vehicle-specific mounting options for many modern side-by-sides.
