I haven't had the opportunity to test this with the latest version of Beyond, but with the previous (I believe it's referred to as the Special Release) version using QM2000 / QM.NET, you only need periodic connections to keep Beyond functioning. I'm not positive about the "grace period", but I think the requirement is the licensed QM /QM.net needs to be attached at least once every 10(?) days when Beyond boots so it can verify the license.
Unless you're buying 2nd hand, you might really want to consider going the FB3 route instead of QM, since the FB3 pretty much does everything that the QM does.
It's not much bigger than a deck of cards, so portability shouldn't be an issue, even if you need to travel with a laptop.
And, it's probably going to be cheaper than a new QM, even without the QM.net.
As a bonus, you basically get QuickShow for free with the FB3, so you have a 2nd REALLY GOOD software package you can turn to if you have smaller show requirements that don't necessarily need the power & complexity of Beyond.
There's also the FB4, which now probably exceeds some of the capabilities of the QM, but right now the FB4 is really designed to be installed in projectors.
Something to keep in mind if you decide to go with a portable option (FB3 / FB4 / QM.net) ~
The Pangolin software is licensed to a particular controller, not the computer, so you can install the software on multiple computers, and connect to the licensed controller as needed.
So, you could have the software running on a desktop in your home studio, then disconnect the controller and attach to a laptop for running the shows.
Just about any Windows PC (including laptop) made in the last several years should run the Pangolin software just fine.
Quick note concerning DMX and Beyond -
Unless there's been a fairly recent change, LD2000 was the last Pangolin software that supported the DMX connection on the QM2000 board.
So, whether using a QM board or FB3/4, with Beyond you'll still need a separate DMX interface.
The standard interface supported by Pangolin is the Enttec DMX USB Pro.
Pangolin's web site should have the details...
Last edited by Stuka; 06-16-2016 at 11:19.
RR
Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
1979.
Sweet.....