Working on adding panadapter capability to my trusty IC-745 using an RTL-SDR Blog V3. The 745 lacks modern serial control but supports digital modes with modifications like sound card connections and I want to add visual spectrum capability. The RTL-SDR can add panadapter capabilities to regular hardware radios but I'm struggling with the IF tap connection.

• Where's the best IF tap point on the IC-745 main board?
• What's the optimal coupling method - capacitive or transformer?
• Any issues with loading the IF stage?

The RTL-SDR panadapter can match performance of raw audio output, even producing less signal splatter on strong signals. For the 745, tap after the first mixer at the 9MHz IF - use a 10pF coupling cap to avoid loading.

I'm planning the same mod on my FT-897! Some guys have done internal RTL-SDR installations with IF tap amplifier+filter boards - creates a really clean setup with no external dongles.

Try Pepyscope software - it's designed for direct sampling RTL-SDRs and gives clean waterfall displays. Much lighter on CPU than HDSDR for basic panadapter work.