No - DMS cartridges can be moved around between boxes. But if the Phatbox has not yet been hacked (your third question) then you need an original DMS from Phatnoise in order to get started rather than one that has had a non original hard disk fitted (or borrow one, or get someone to hack the Phatbox so you can use any suitable drive).
I have a VW PhatNoise and I purchased an Original, but it is a Kenwood, DMS. So I assume from your reply I will need an original DMS (Phatnoise). Is this true?
Thanks for the speedy reply.
illingworth22