I spent about 30 minutes today trying to diagnose why my array of solar panels was putting out only about 0.03A when I was expecting between 1 – 2A. After testing that the current output of each solar panel was within expected range I decided to replace the USB cable. Immediately current output increased to next maximum expected output.
In another instance of a bad cable, I was testing the voltage produced by a self wound coil. Rather than the 60 – 70mV for which I was hoping a mere 3 – 4mV. By chance I happened to bump an alagator ckip and observed a voltage bump and then drop back to 3mV. Immediately I replaced the cable and measurements verified the expected voltage output.
A side note, I cut the alligator cable in two and now have two handy clamps to connect loose wire ends.
No great moral to this brief antidote. Don’t let something like a bad cable ruin your day.