[Doug]

Are you here to cause trouble Antony

- Just joking...

If you take a brief look through the DCC section, you will see that it is a very emotive subject.

Generally owners of a particular brand will promote the system that they bought. Most of the time, these users will not have tried many other systems. Very few people in fact, including shops, have hands-on experience with multiple systems.

Take a look at the DCC systems chart and look through some old posts.

Popular brands with DCC systems are (in alphabetical order): Bchmann, Digitrax, Hornby, Lenz, MRC, NCE, Zimo, ZTC

Some opinion (mentioned here and elsewhere): Lenz started the ball rolling, Digitrax appeals to the American market, Zimo is expensive, Bachmann is entry level, Hornby is the new guy in town, MRC is badly documented, NCE is badly marketed, ZTC looks good, but has functionality issues. - Elements of truth in all that, but opinionated all the same as there will always be someone else with an opposing opinion just waiting to shout you down.

 

[Doug]

Most DCC systems have computer integration of one sort or another.

I use the PC to configure the decoders and keep track of the locos on my DCC system, but I don't use the PC to run the layout or to switch points. PC integration is what got me interested in DCC about 7 years ago, although it has only been recently that it is working the way I like it.

Regarding the fitting of decoders, try it yourself, it is not too difficult. Check out our Reviews section, there are a few examples there on how to go about it. Some shops also offer a decoder fitting service. Ontracks has a free service, but I suppose that you have to get the loco and decoder with them too.