SCARM - Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller

[Mixy]

Hello dear friends,

I want to introduce my freeware layout design program, called SCARM, which you can download and test from www.scarm.info/index_en.html. It has lightweight and intuitive user interface, 3D view, more than 25 track-system libraries and many other cool functions and features.
I will appreciate any comments concerning SCARM here or by email – scarm at scarm dot info.
I was not sure where to post this topic, so I do it here - please excuse me if I'm violating some of the forum rules.

Mixy,
from Bulgaria

[Mixy]

Hello again :)

The new version 0.7.0 of SCARM is released.

The most important new features are Print and Print preview mode for WYSIWYG layout printouts. Now SCARM holds more than 40 libraries with different scales and track systems.

Try it and say if you like it :)

Mixy,
from Bulgaria

[gunrunnerjohn]

I see Lionel O27 on your list, but not O track. This begs the question, do you handle O31 switches and crossings, etc.? How do you handle stuff like the projections of the switch motor on an O22 switch?

[kretinus]

does your software allow for Atlases crappy tolerances?

[Mixy]

@gunrunnerjohn: The main Lionel O library file is under development and will be available soon. As for point motors and other accessories – they will be included if possible (I will check them). For example – see electromagnetic point switches in Tillig BTTB library.

@kretinus: At the moment, all tolerances are set to 1mm max, because I need to verify various track systems geometry. Try some Atlas library and see it. In some of the next versions I will add an option in the Settings for user defined length and angle tolerances.

Mixy
from Bulgaria

[gunrunnerjohn]

Thanks, I'll wait until that's available, since that's where I'm going. :)

[tjcruiser]

Mixy,

I'll echo that that inability of other track layout softwar to include the projections of the control assembly on tradition Lionel switches like O22's is a major shortcoming. In planning a layout, the spacial impact of these control assemblies on track-to-track proximity is very significant. If any track layout software is simply blind to their existance, then the software's usefulness is limited.

That said, consider that a polite suggestion to add to your future development list.

Many thanks for offering info on your software here at the Forum.

Regards,

TJ

[gunrunnerjohn]

That's the one issue that has so far stopped me from picking up AnyRail.

[Mixy]

OK. I will check Lionel catalogues for pictures and dimensions of control units and how and where they are assembled. If you also have some pics/links, please post them here.

Mixy,
from Bulgaria

[gunrunnerjohn]

022 switches can be assembled with the motor on either side. The motor is about 4.5" long and 2" wide. The straight and curve part of the switch is exactly the same size as standard O31 track. Here are some pictures to illustrate that.

The first two pictures show the two configurations the 022 (and later variants of the tubular track O31 switches) can use. The third picture simply illustrates that the two paths on the switch are the same size as standard O31 track.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7839&stc=1&d=1298324045


http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7840&stc=1&d=1298324045


http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7842&stc=1&d=1298324045

[Mixy]

Thank you, gunrunnerjohn :)

Pictures are clear and detailed. Now is midnight here so I am going to sleep, but tomorrow I will try to map the pics to track library file. Hope that Lionel O lib will be ready and tested till end of the week :)

Mixy,
from Bulgaria

[gunrunnerjohn]

Great, glad I could help. Next, I'll post the other type of standard O gauge switch that is different. :D

[Mixy]

OK, here is preliminary Lionel-O library file: http://www.scarm.info/temp/Lionel-O-tmp.zip. Download and extract it from archive, then copy .lib file into LIB folder of SCARM. Start the program and select Lionel-O from the libraries dropdown menu. At the moment, all tracks are labeled with their part numbers and only 14062 and 14063 turnouts have attachable accessories enabled. Select one of these turnouts with buttons from the selection panel to place on the plot – a dialog with possible accessories will appear. Select the switching motor (left or right) and press OK. This is the way how track accessories are realized in SCARM. Unfortunately, the Lionel catalog has no dimensions of these things at all, so I will ask you to tell me other possible switching motors dimensions and offsets in order to be able to put them in the library file, as marked on the picture. Offsets are horizontal and vertical dimensions from start of center rail to nearest corner of the motor. Try the lib and tell me – am I close or not? :)

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Hmm... Trying to go to the site http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html and it's dead. The ZIP download times out as well.

[NIMT]

Mixy,
I would have to say that most of us in the U.S. are oblivious of the metric system is there any easy way to convert the track to SAE (Inches and feet) measurements?

[gunrunnerjohn]

Good point Sean. I can't get to the site right now, so I haven't actually seen the package yet.

[Mixy]

Hi guys,

I checked the SCARM web site 2 minutes ago and it is up and working well. May be it is a temporary problem or something in the route. Check it again and tell me if the problem persists.

@NIMT.COM: Open "Tools" > "Settings" > "Measurement units" tab and select inches to be default dimension unit ;)

Mixy

[Mixy]

See also FAQ section in the site or in build-in documentation (F1) – it takes 10 minutes of reading, but explains a lot for SCARM features, tips and tricks :)

Mixy

[NIMT]

Mixy,
Excellent, thank you
From a business point of view you might want to add in an US flag, English, with the dimensions defaulted to inches.
Oh and atlas code 100 track too! A lot of us still use it.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Still no joy for some reason. I can do a tracert to it, but when I ping it, I get timeouts. The odd thing is I got a couple of responses, then nothing.

I did get to it with a proxy server, but I can't download using that proxy. I'll wait to see if this gets sorted out.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Perhaps you could attach the two files here to the message?

[Mixy]

OK, here is the lib attached, but for the program package, the forum says that it is over maximum file size limit and cannot be attached. See my PM to you.

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Here is the other type of O31 switch I spoke of. This one is an interesting switch, it's a compact version that can be used in switch yards, or expanded with the included add-on sections to the dimensions of a standard O31 switch like the 022. Let me know if these pictures are sufficient.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7869&stc=1&d=1298414028


I got the ruler backwards, but you can see the switch is 5.5" wide here, including the lantern section.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7870&stc=1&d=1298414028


Note the straight section is just over 8" long without the extension, with it, it's the standard 10" length of an O31 straight track.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7871&stc=1&d=1298414028


This curve extension makes the curve the standard 11" length of an O31 curve.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7872&stc=1&d=1298414028


Here's a measurement straight across the curve without the extension.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7873&stc=1&d=1298414028


Here's the switch with both extensions installed. This makes the track part the same size as the 022 switch, obviously the lantern section is still different.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7874&stc=1&d=1298414028


Here is one of the interesting parts about this switch, and one that I plan on probably using in my switch yard. you can cut off the lantern section totally, all you lose is the indication of switch position. Since you also get that remotely from the control switch, that's not much of a loss. Cutting this off and also using the short curve section allows you to have closely spaced tracks for a switch yard.

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7875&stc=1&d=1298414028

[NIMT]

Mixy,
I've been working with it for a few min and I like it, Works really good.:thumbsup:
I will work with it more tonight!

[novice]

Hmm... Trying to go to the site http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html and it's dead. The ZIP download times out as well.

Just use this link to get the site:
http://www.scarm.info

[gunrunnerjohn]

You're missing the point, there seems to be a routing issue between my ISP and his site.
I tried that. Now the old link is working, Verizon must have gotten off the dime.

[Mixy]

Thank you, guys :)

@gunrunnerjohn: The pics are OK, but I will see them tomorrow, because here is 1 hour past midnight and I am going to sleep, again :)

Please tell me some link from where I can see the names and part numbers of Lionel together, because in Lionel’s catalogue that I have, there are only part numbers of the tracks and I am unable to associate them with names that you are talking about.

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Lionel's "official" part numbers for these switches.

602-3010-000 "O" Gauge Switch (Left Hand)
602-3011-000 "O" Gauge Switch (Right Hand)

The "generic" name for them is 3010 (left) and 3011 (right).


BTW, how do you make a custom length of track?

[NIMT]

gunrunnerjohn,
Is there a "flex" track for O? or O27?
That's how I make custom lengths in HO.

[novice]

NM - revisted site and it worked

[gunrunnerjohn]

I ran into an issue using the new "O" library. I was just tinkering around and I did the following loop. Then I deleted one straight section and placed a switch. I made a mistake and put the switch motor on the left and it hung over the edge. So, I deleted the switch and placed one again. This time I get a list error, and it never gives me the option of placing the switch motor. I tried completing the loop, that worked fine. I then deleted a different track section and tried to stick the switch in again. Same error. I can save the file, exit the program, and then reload the file and continue. Given that, it seems that this is some programming bug.



http://www.modeltrainforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7877&stc=1&d=1298418299

[Mixy]

Thank you for the screenshot, John,

I will check this. It is possible to get some errors, because the program is still under development. This list bounds error is connected with the track accessories list and I will try to reproduce it and to fix it. It may also appear due to preliminary status of the Lionel-O lib and some incorrect prams inside. But I will correct it soon :)

Mixy

[Mixy]

Yeees, of course, I found it :) It is because I am combining mandatory and user selectable track accessories in Lionel-O lib for the first time and the program cannot handle them together. It will be corrected and the new version of SCARM will be uploaded later today :)

Mixy

[Mixy]

The new, corrected version 0.7.2 of SCARM is uploaded on www.scarm.info. I found some other small issues with baseboard size calculation, but they are not critical and will be fixed in the next versions. The track accessories handling with Lionel-O library should be working fine now :) If you found other problems, please let me know, to fix them as soon as possible :)

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

One thing I noticed in the selection of switches. When you pick the side that the motor should be on, if you make a mistake, you can't modify the shape, you have to delete it and start over. Am I missing something, or is that the way it works?

[gunrunnerjohn]

I think we need a defined "flex" track for the O-scale libraries. Frequently, things don't quite match up, and the solution is to hack a piece of track to fit. You should have a way of representing that on your track layout like you do with the HO libraries.

[Mixy]

You can change or remove track accessory if it is wrong: select the track, then open "Edit" > "Accessories for …" menu and make the change. Is there a flex-track in O scale, produced by Lionel?

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Might I suggest you make that a right click on the active element to edit the properties? :)

Lionel doesn't make flex track for O-scale tubular track. However, in order to make things fit, it's very common to cut a piece of track to size, something you can't do in your layout program. Defining a variable length straight and curve section would solve this issue. you could also simply all one to adjust the length of the pieces of track, just like I can do with my Dremel tool. :)

[Mixy]

Might I suggest you make that a right click on the active element to edit the properties? :)

It is already done. “Accessories” are the last item in the context menu – try it :) However, the track must be selected first.

I cannot add flex track in the final library, if Lionel does not produce it, because this will let to confuses. However, if you want, you can make such track in your own library file. It is normal text file, so you can open it with Notepad. Add the following line:

TFlexRail|Flex|n/a|1000|360.25

Start the program, and you will find the new flex track with name “Flex”, max length of 1000mm and min radii of 360.25mm. If you want, you can experiment with values of all parameters, except first – TFlexRail.

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Hmm... I'll give that a try. The issue there is it'll have to be re-entered every time you update the library, maybe you should have a second file that's a "custom" library. That would allow you to add such things once and they'd stick.

Can you define other parts in a similar fashion? I'm thinking of stuff like my Lionel #2317 Drawbridge and perhaps a Lionel #350 Transfer Table in the future.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I put that into my file, how to I change the length of the section? It seems to paste at 1000mm.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Oops, never mind, I read the help and figured it out. That works for either straight or curves, that is exactly what I needed. :)

[Mixy]

Glas to see, that it is working :)

Actually, when I finish the lib, it will be changed only when Lionel made new tracks :) I am also thinking about feature for adding of custom tracks by users, but this will be realized in the future.

Check this link: http://www.scarm.info/temp/BTTB-TT.lib - it is a sample library of Standard track system by Tillig (BTTB) with comments about all possible params and values. When you change something in the tracks, save the lib file and reselect library in SCARM in order to see your changes. If you change some parameter, starting with “Lib”, save the file and restart the program. Please note that some combinations of values may be wrong, and program can crash with some unexpected errors.

Please tell me, are the accessories in temp Lionel-O lib useful? Are they meeting to the expectations, I mean when we start the discussion? And also are you satisfied with SCARM - is it easy and useful?

I will continue with other motors and points from the pictures and will update temp lib when I am ready :)

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'm not sure what I'm looking for in that BTTB-TT.lib, what am I looking for?

The Lionel-O seems to work fine, I haven't actually started a real layout with it yet, so I can't say for sure it'll all work out. What I've been doing is plopping down tracks and switches and fooling around to see if I run across issues like the switch motor position, and fitting custom tracks. I don't want to get in the middle of a layout and then find out that what I've done is wasted and I have to start over because something wasn't there.

Who is Tillig anyway?

[Mixy]

Tillig is a name of German company, one of European model train producers. The file is a sample library of their track system in 1:120 scale with comments and explanations of SCARM internal file format. Look at the lines, starting with sharp sign (#) – those lines are parameter descriptions. You can use them to understand how to change the tracks or make your own, if you want.

Mixy

[Mixy]

The temp Lionel-O library is updated with 3010 and 3011 turnouts and motors. It is strange that I cannot fount these turnouts in my Lionel Signature Edition 2010 catalog. They aren’t found even in Track section in Lionel web site. Where are they listed? I think that they are very useful because of compact motors and extensible curved and straight sections. I calculated that straght extension is about 2" long and curved extension is about 13.5 degree. I hope that my calculations and accessories dimensions are very close to the real. Try it :)

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, with the extensions in place, they are the same track dimensions as an 022 switch. I tried to give you the dimensions in the picture, we won't know if they're really exact until someone actually lays down some track with those switches. :)

I also had issues finding them when I first got a couple, Lionel appears to have disavowed any knowledge of them. I have a number of them now, they look to be a good choice for a switching yard, allows you to have tracks closer together.

The extra nice part about them is that those lantern extensions can be removed without affecting the function of the switch, I'm sure I mentioned that. So, they have the option of it being there or not being there, they're not switchable between the sides of the switch like the 022 however.

I run into the issue with my custom alteration of the library here, I have to remember to move my flex track every time I get a new library. ;)

[Mixy]

The extra nice part about them is that those lantern extensions can be removed without affecting the function of the switch, I'm sure I mentioned that. So, they have the option of it being there or not being there, they're not switchable between the sides of the switch like the 022 however.

Yes, you mentioned that before, but I just forgot it. :rolleyes:

So motor is build-in and lantern is removable, but can be placed only at one side (right side for RH turnout and left side for LH turnout) for 3010 and 3011? If yes, I will update the temp lib because now it is possible to attach lantern at both sides.

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Yep, the lantern is fixed on the curve track side of the switch, the motor is actually the small section on the other side along the straight track section. To remove it, the instructions say to simply cut it off. :)

[Mixy]

OK, the temp Lionel-O lib is updated again. Now all turnouts have corresponding accessories :)

Mixy

[Mixy]

New update 0.7.3 of SCARM released. It has 46 track libraries, including major Atlas track systems and Lionel O and O27. I will continue with Lionel FasTrack and it will appear soon :)

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'm assuming the Lionel-O library includes all the stuff that was in the tmp version?

[Mixy]

Yes, it is the same library :)

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Was there ever any consideration to having a "custom" library that modifies the standard library? That way we don't have to keep adding in our changes to the library files.

[Mixy]

Was there ever any consideration to having a "custom" library that modifies the standard library? That way we don't have to keep adding in our changes to the library files.

No, but I will think over this possibility :)

Mixy

[NIMT]

Scarm download site here (http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html).
Original link too far back in posts!:D

[gunrunnerjohn]

Fortunately, a Google search will quickly turn up the home page. :)

[gunrunnerjohn]

Is there some easy way to draw a large baseboard? I find it virtually impossible to accurately draw what I need. I have to zoom way out to encompass the entire scope, then it's very difficult to impossible to get straight lines.

The issue here is I'm trying to build a ceiling run off the main table out of a helix. I'm trying to draw the while room, which is odd shaped, so I can plan the track.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Another question. How can I anchor zero to the upper left hand corner, whenever I zoom, it goes into negative territory, which I don't want. I figured out the straight lines... :)

[Mixy]

Sounds very interesting :) Can you post some pictures from the 3D Viewer?

About baseboard: the only way to build large baseboard is to zoom out. Make sure that Grid is checked in Tools > Settings > 2D View > Plot. It will help you with position and size of your baseboard. If you want to have straight vertical or horizontal lines, hold Ctrl, while drawing the baseboard with mouse. The length of current baseboard side is displayed in the Status bar.

For zooming: press Home and you will get 0,0 in the upper left corner. By default, zooming is centered to the mouse cursor. If you want to zoom centered on top left corner, use “+” and “-” from the keyboard numpad.

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

What pictures am I posting? I've yet to get a baseboard drawn! :D

Another thing that I'm not sure of is how to draw a 9" shelf around the room, which will have the two tracks. Also, I'm sure that drawing the helix will give me fits, I may skip that part in the drawing program.

I have to say, I'm not finding SCARM as intuitive as Anyrail, it's very easy to get around in that program. My issue with Anyrail is that it's missing stuff and I can't define it. It take a lot more keystrokes or mouse clicks in general to do things in SCARM than Anyrail. OTOH, SCARM is priced more attractively than Anyrail. :)

[Mixy]

SCARM is too young and still under development. At this moment, it can do many of things that other commercial software does, but not all :)

If you want to make baseboard around your room walls, you can do it in the following way (for rectangular room):

http://www.anka.bg/temp/pics/cutoffbb_2D.jpg

Create each side, starting from red dot and following the path, showed by the arrows. Result is bellow:

http://www.anka.bg/temp/pics/cutoffbb_3D.jpg

Shape of the room does not matter; this is just to illustrating the idea.

Mixy

[NIMT]

I got it now, Baseboard confusion.. What Mixy is calling baseboard is what we would call bench work, layout board, or table top!
Mixy Baseboard to me is a trim board on the wall just above the floor.

[Mixy]

Oops :confused:

Sorry for this misunderstanding. Yes, in SCARM “baseboard” means the board (or table) where the tracks are placed.

Mixy

[gunrunnerjohn]

Hell, I know what the baseboard was, it's just getting it actually laid out. :D

Where I find it problematic is trying to get exactly to a measurement and then getting the baseboard going. One thing I'd change on the baseboard option is not to stop when you're one pixel off the edge, that's so frustrating. I'd just run it to the edge where it was dragged off.

[Mixy]

Hello again,

The new version 0.8.0 of SCARM is ready :)

Most important new features are standalone installer, support for turntables and baseboard editing. There are also many corrected and updated libraries, due to some errors like doubled track names, doubled item numbers and some new parts. If you are using a turntable that is missing from SCARM library files, let me know and I will add it in the next update.

Please note that if you want to edit track libraries under Vista or Windows 7, you must start Notepad as administrator. Or just install SCARM outside Program Files, because this folder is protected by the operating system. If you want to uninstall SCARM and save your edited libraries, make copy of them, because uninstaller will delete entire SCARM installation folder.

Mixy

[lynbarn]

Mixy, This looks like a useful piece of software - does it (or will it) include narrow gauge track systems as well as standard gauge?

regards,

Martyn

[lynbarn]

I got it now, Baseboard confusion.. What Mixy is calling baseboard is what we would call bench work, layout board, or table top!
Mixy Baseboard to me is a trim board on the wall just above the floor.

In British English, that is known as skirting board! :)

regards,

Martyn

[Mixy]

Mixy, This looks like a useful piece of software - does it (or will it) include narrow gauge track systems as well as standard gauge?

regards,

Martyn

Hello Martin,

SCARM already has some narrow gauge track systems from BEMO and Roco, labelled as HOe and HOm. In the near future, there will be more, like Tillig HOe/HOm and some other. If you are looking for particular track system, let me know and I will see what I can do :)

Regards,

Mixy

[Mixy]

The new version 0.9.1 of SCARM (http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html) is ready :)

Now with 2D/3D shapes and objects for representing of buildings, platforms, roads, signals and many other railway and layout related items and accessories. The enthusiasts will be able even to create the interior of the room where their layout will be standing :) The user can easily create many things with the figures in SCARM, but there are also some items that will be unable to be shaped and I have to work more in order to solve this. However, there are some already predefined figures and objects like signals, trees and lamps and more will come in the future. Before start working with the new version, pleasе check the items, marked with “new” in the FAQ section of the documentation for explanation how to use the new features of SCARM.

There is an example layout: Sample1_HO.zip (http://www.scarm.info/temp/Sample1_HO.zip). Download it, unzip and open in SCARM to see in details some of the new features. The following are a few pics taken from the sample layout (click to enlarge):

http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_bus-stop_sm.jpg (http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_bus-stop.jpg) http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_lake-wood_sm.jpg (http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_lake-wood.jpg) http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_station-front_sm.jpg (http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_station-front.jpg) http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_station-back_sm.jpg (http://www.scarm.info/pics/sl_station-back.jpg)

Remember, that SCARM is still in beta stage of development and sometimes may not work as expected. Always create archives of your layouts and save changes in the files with incremental names (just in case) i.e. layout_1.scarm, layout_2.scarm and so on. Please report any bugs or error messages with explanation how, when and where in the program they occur and I will try to fix them as soon as possible.

Hope that all of you will like the new version of SCARM :)

Mixy

[tjcruiser]

Looks like very functional developmental progress, Mixy. Thanks for keeping all of our forum guys in the loop here!

TJ

[Mixy]

Thank you, TJ :)

Next significant SCARM update 0.9.5 is ready and published on www.scarm.info :)

The most important new features are the ability to set track colors and 1:1 zoom factor for exact printouts of particular track pieces along with some new and updated track libraries (like Aristo-Craft G tracks).

To set the track colors, use the color menu, displayed by dedicated new button in the toolbar (next to Tunnel button). If there is selection, all tracks in it will be colored with the chosen color and newly added tracks will be colored with last selected color (visible on the button). There is a small bug – tracks, repeated by pressing of Spacebar are not automatically colored, but I will fix it in the next update.

To print in 1:1, select View > Scale > 1 to 1 from the menu – the Print Preview page will be displayed and adjusted exactly at 1:1 zoom factor. You can print in 1:1 even whole layouts, but for now this can be done only manually (page by page) and is not convenient for large layouts. In the next days, I will try to create an example about 1:1 printing for those of you, who want to use this feature :)

Mixy

[mwpeber]

Thanks and great software Mixy! I am trying to use it to design a new model railroad and am having difficulty figuring out how to make curves in my baseboard. Is that possible, or do I have just approximate it by utilizing a bunch of short lines?

Here is a link to my layout design progress which I've added some screen pics from SCARM:

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=9670

[Mixy]

Hi mwpeber :)

At the moment, there is no possibility to make rounded/curved sides for the baseboard in SCARM, so you will need to create them by several short lines instead. I will consider adding of such feature in some of the next versions of SCARM :)

Greetings,

Mixy

[tjcruiser]

Mixy,

It's always great to see your quick response to members' questions about SCARM here on our forum. We all know that there are different layout software packages available ... your timely response to inquiries/suggestions is a definite check in good-reason column!

Cheers,

TJ

[mwpeber]

Thanks for the response! Overall great software...and it's free:laugh:

[Mixy]

Thank you, guys :)

It is always a pleasure to see that my work over SCARM is appreciated and useful. Many new features in SCARM are under development and will appear in the next year, but now it is time to celebrate the coming of 2012 :)

Happy New Year!

;)

Mixy