It really depends on what you want it to do. If all you are looking for is timed fog blasts, then no, the remote can do that by itself. If all you want is to be able to trigger it manually then again no, the remote can do that as well. If you have a show where you want fog at specific times and don't want to be stuck out in the yard every night, then DMX control comes in handy. The great thing is that the remote still works so if you want an additional fog blast, you're good to go.
Unlike the cheapo's you see in the stores around Halloween, these units are fire at will. Once they warm up, they are ready when you are while the ones you see at wallyworld kinda cycle on and off. This makes them good for simple intermittent blasts but pretty much useless in a show where you may want to control the timing an amount of fog. These foggers also have a high output so unlike the cheapo's you don't want them just dumping fog unless you intend to buy your juice in 55 gallon drums.
As for rain, it is a good idea to keep it protected from the weather, pretty much like we do with our hubs and power supplies. I am going to be hiding mine along with an ice chiller inside of a monument that I will be building for my cemetery scene. The fog holds up in rain depending on the type of juice used. Heavy ground fog holds up better than light mist but I would probably shut it down of the rain is heavy since I doubt that anyone will be standing in the rain to watch the show and why waste the juice. This model goes for around $300.
