New SDR# Plugin Turns SDR# into a Transceiver Panadapter

A New SDR# Panadapter Plugin Turns SDR# into a Panadapter for Your Transceiver

Thanks to Marco Argilli (IU4HMY) for writing in and sharing the release of a new SDR# Panadapter plugin. It transforms the popular RTL-SDR- and Airspy-compatible program SDR# into a panadapter for your transceiver, giving you a live look at the band around the frequency you're tuned to.

What Is a Panadapter?

A panadapter is essentially an "external spectrum screen" bolted onto your radio:

• Live Spectrum View: Shows the full signal activity around your current tuned frequency.
• Waterfall Display: A scrolling time-history of the spectrum, so you can catch signals you just missed.
• Spot Activity Fast: Glance at the band and instantly see where the action is — far easier than tuning around by ear.

SDR# Panadapter Plugin Screenshot

Sync with Your Radio via OmniRig

Frequency synchronization between your radio and SDR# is handled by OmniRig. As you tune your transceiver's VFO, the SDR# spectrum display follows along, so the panadapter is always centered on your operating frequency.

How to Use the Plugin

1. Connect your SDR to your transceiver's IF output or antenna output.
2. In the plugin settings, enter the receiver's IF frequency and a per-mode offset.
3. Your settings are saved to a JSON configuration file and reloaded automatically next time.

Handy Band Presets

The plugin also includes band preset buttons:

• Right-click a preset button to snapshot the current frequency + demodulation mode + zoom level.
• Click it later to jump straight back to your favorite spot on the band.

Requirements and Limitations

• OS: Windows 8 / 10 / 11.
• Software: SDR# version 1921 or newer and the .NET 9 framework.
• Performance: Marco recommends using Center Frequency Mode for the best performance.
• Frequency Ceiling: Because OmniRig exposes frequency as a 32-bit COM value, frequencies above around 2.1 GHz are not supported.
• Licensing: The plugin doesn't appear to be open-source, but is free for personal and non-commercial use.

Bottom Line

This plugin offers SDR# users a low-cost way to add a modern spectrum/waterfall panadapter view to an existing transceiver — just bring a compatible SDR receiver, and you've turned your classic radio into a visually-navigable band-scanning machine.