I cut my teeth on a TRS-80 Model 1. Brings back fond memories.
And you are correct, current and voltage are two very different things indeed. For the 'voltage' to remain stable, there has to be enough 'current'(amps).
Say you have a 1 amp 12v power supply, and a load that required 1.5amps @12v. With that load, there would not be enough current to maintain 12v. The voltage will sag and ultimately burn up the components (or trip it's protection, hopefuly) in the power supply.
Thats kind of an extreme example, granted, point being that I do understand the difference, and the relationship, of voltage and amperage. Components at idle, use a fraction of the power the do under load yeah? So a failing power supply could provide the current to maintain 1.36v at idle, but under load, fall to 1.25v. This may be within allowable tolerances, and the component functions as advertised. And yes, while there is always a little voltage drop under load, it can be held to a minimum with adequate current at the specified voltage supplied AT the component. (I.E. power supply can produce the current, the wiring/trace to the component can handle the current, the connection is solid to the component...) I've worked with and enjoyed electronics for almost 40 years.
So this probably isn't the problem here, but there is a possibility that it could be. That's all I was saying. Still digging on your icon. Love me some antique electronics.
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