Hi Naveen,
DCC decoders can be programmed using any of the main DCC systems like my NCE DCC system. This is accomplished by using the programming features of the DCC system to DIRECTLY change decoder attributes called Configuration Variables (CV's). This works just fine for making small changes to simple CV's. I use this method to make simple changes on the fly. But, rely on the three programming methods below for installations and big changes.
Beyond simple changes using your DCC system becomes more complex. For example many decoders have complex CV's called Indexed CV's which are much harder to fathom and change. So, to vastly simplify and provide a user friendly (plain old English and graphics) interface companies like ESU and QSI developed specialized proprietary programmers optimized for their brand decoders. There is also a free public domain and very comprehensive suite of tools is available on-line called JMRI which has two tools called Decoder Pro and Panel Pro. These can be used to program most features of many decoders. Free. I use it to program decoders brands other than QSI and ESU. And it will work with QSI and ESU, too. I can't say how well because I have the programmers.
So, why buy the QSI Quantum Programmer and the ESU Programmer? You must have a QSI programmer to download new sound sets and new firmware versions. Same for ESU. Period. Beyond this requirement I feel the proprietary programmers just make life easier. In my experience I cannot imagine setting up a new QSI Titan Magnum decoder without my QSI Quantum Programmer. Others will disagree with this for sure!! But, why not take advantage of tools that simplify?
As for NMRA standards, they are fine as far as they go. They standardize many basic and important DCC attributes. But, the various manufacturers are free to add proprietary attributes layered on top of the NMRA attributes. This is a lengthy topic and I won't attempt it here.
Bottom line. DCC is not all that hard to understand. It just takes time and effort and study. Good luck and have fun.
Bill
