I have more than 50 years experience with audio, auto, computer and aerospace electronic systems and slowly moving into the 21st Century with this fancy electronic stuff like nanovna.. One thing I have found is that cables have been, are now, and will likely continue to be a common source of problems in every piece of equipment we touch. No matter how careful I am I still find bad cables in every use I am acquainted with.
It is surprising to me that in all this time cables aren't more fool-proof and idiot-proofed for idiots and fools like me. So, join the club; toss that cable into wherever bad cables go when their life is over and be grateful you learned the lesson...this time. And, don't forget it.
2sheds