remote control

Have you looked at the EOS iphone or android phone based apps?

www.etcconnect.com/.../Eos-Apps.aspx

You can buy a XE Console and the $50.- for a remote are to much?
You can also look for https://hexler.net/touchosc
Layouts are on https://github.com/ETCLabs/OSCLayouts

Yes, thank you. I did and was hoping for something more robust. But that will work for now.

Thank you. I will check this out. Another console will be too costly and will require a monitor set up. I'm hoping for a laptop solution.

For a EOS Client version you need a Nomad dongle.

by using a Nomad dongle and EOS software, can I connect and control my existing XE console or act as a independent control and any changes made on the Nomad will need to be uploaded to the XE console in order for the console to operate the changes?

The dongle allows independent control. In multiconsole environment when you save on client this will also done on the master console.

Thank you for this information. Very much appreciated.

An iPad in a very good rugged case is a reasonable option as well, such as an OtterBox Defender Rugged Case.  It doesn't need to be a brand new iPad either so if it gets damaged, another used, older iPad can be substituted.

Nomad on a Laptop is a great choice too, but quite a bit more money unless you are in an Education environment, where there a a very good discounted ETCnomad Education Package: www.etcconnect.com/.../Education-Package.aspx

Just als a sidenote: Eos doesn't support multi-console connection (like the aforementioned client connection) through WiFi. You can make that work, but will need solid networking and WiFi config knowledge.

There are several ruggedized Android tablets available, I'd suggest those rather than iPad as they're less expensive and take more abuse.
Tablets aimed at small children tend to be quite good, plus they come in a variety of bright colours so you don't lose it on a black floor...

Thank you.

Thank you. Considering a Nomad for laptop, just because of the bigger screen.