The 2-variable polynomial of cable knots

The 2-variable polynomial PK of a satellite K is shown not to satisfy any formula, relating it to the polynomial of its companion and of the pattern, which is at all similar to the formulae for Alexander polynomials. Examples are given of various pairs of knots which can be distinguished by calculating P for 2-strand cables about them even though the knots themselves share the same P. Properties of a given knot such as braid index and amphicheirality, which may not be apparent from the knot's polynomial P, are shown in certain cases to be detectable from the polynomial of a 2-cable about the knot.