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Another option, A pair of used Vertex VX-231 radios can be had for 20-40 dollars each on eBay. Get a programming cable for about 20 bucks. Download the programming software for free (CE99). Now you have part 90 radios that blow the doors off CCRs.

I will elaborate a bit more. Your problem, Arawak, is clearly related to power. The channel 3 (462.6125 MHz), according to your post, shows SWR below 1 (which is not possible, let's say below 1.1), while the channels 17 and 18 (462.600 MHz and 462.625 MHz) show SWR 4. That makes ZERO sense since chan 3 is between the 17 and 18. Possible explanations are: 1) wrong measurement setup (likely); 2) antenna not rated for full power (I did not read the spec); 3) coax and connectors working fine at 15W but crapping out at 50W (less likely).

What cable were you looking at that was $50? The Wouxon one is $15.99: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-pco-001.html My experience is that this cable is MUCH better than the typical Baofeng one, and I use it for all my radios that require that type of cable now. No driver games, and I have one radio that would transmit when you plugged in a cheap cable; no such issues with the Wouxun one. Interestingly enough, on the KG-935G page it says that cable is $14.99. But I think I know where the $50 came from. You were looking at the RT Systems cable and software, which IS $49. RT Systems software requires that you use the corresponding RT Systems cable. The item on the BTWR site is a bundle with both cable and software. But the cable can be used with multiple different radios that use the Kenwood interface, so you buy the cable once and then just buy the software if you want to program other radios that use the same cable. Their software packages are great. Often easier to use than the manufacturer's software (if there IS any) and Just Works. When you get right down to it, analog radio programming software looks like a spreadsheet with another page where you can set options on the radio. So there is nothing fancy about their software; it just works and isn't full of bugs. But if the Wouxun software meets your needs, then no reason to buy the RT Systems bundle. I would still recommend paying the couple extra bucks to get their programming cable.

Glad you are off to a good start. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

That symptom can be an indication you are right on the very edge of coverage. Enough to trigger that repeater, but insufficient to deliver usable audio. I recommend getting much closer to the repeater and trying again. If you still have the same issue there is something else going on. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

... and some sellers will include basic programming for free w/ purchase. The trouble is that most used radios in the $30 to $40 range will not include fresh batteries, and with Vertex, you need to make sure that you have a battery that will match up with the charger.

Good job of setup for software... This is a new post on BTWR website... https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2021/05/how-to-install-the-programming-cable-and-software-for-the-kg-905g.html Has a good work around as well. Jack