Ansmann Energy 8 Charger

Value

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Overview

The Ansmann Energy 8 battery charger is designed for charging up to six AA or six AAA rechargeable batteries and two 9V rechargeable batteries at the same time.

The Ansmann Energy 8 battery charger is also capable of charging up to four C or four D size rechargeable batteries and two 9V rechargeable batteries at a time, or any combination of AA, AAA, C, D rechargeable batteries and two 9V cells with Advanced Computer Controlled Precision.

Price

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Price

The Ansmann Energy 8 battery charger sells for over $80US. This charger was leading edge when it was released and handles many batteries for the family with high demand.

Features

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Features

Charge Mode

• AA 700mA
• AAA 300mA
• D, C 1000mA

Discharge Mode

Not Available

Refresh Mode

Specifications

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Specifications

• Automatic Refresh ( Condition) Capability
• Charges NiCd or NiMH Batteries.
• Auto-Diagnosis of the inserted cells.
• -deltaV Precision Charging Circuit.
• Built-In Capacity Quick Test when battery is inserted.
• Shows average Battery Charge state.
• Damaged cells detection with automatic discharge before fast charging.
• Shuts off once full charge has been detected.
• Will recharge even the higher capacity rechargeable batteries of the future..
• Individual Supervision of each cell as it charges.
• Automatically Detects faulty or Bad Cells.
• Reverse cell protection & Defective Cell Indicator.
• Switching Power Supply operates on Worldwide 100~240V 50~60 Hz AC.
• Has built in 6' AC Cord.
• Requires simple AC adapter plug for International use.
• 3 Year Warranty.

Tests

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Tests

1. Battery Charge Capacity Tests
2. Battery Charging Temperature Tests
3. Charging Characteristics
4. Feature Tests

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Capacity Tests

NiMH rechargeable batteries that were tested were the Ansmann AA 2700 mAh, Ansmann C 4500 mAh and the Titanium D 11,000 mAh.

The Ansmann Energy 8 did an excellent job of charging and in most cases, the trickle charge mode will top up the rechargeable batteries when left for a short extended period of time.

( tested results in % of rated capacity, i.e.. for a 2000mAh battery 99% = 1980mAh )

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Temperature Tests

Ansmann Energy 8 Charging Characteristics

The only unique charging characteristic of the Ansmann Energy 8 charger is the automatic refresh mode.

From our tests and the graph below, the Ansmann Energy 8 automatic refresh mode drives the rechargeable battery through a series of cycles to activate and rejuvinate it.

This is a short lived cycle so it does not condition the rechargeable battery.

Ansmann Energy 8 Charger Feature Tests

Conclusion

Overall Conclusion

The Ansmann Energy 8 does an excellent job of charging your NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries while keeping them cool.

When I look at a family use situation, the automatic refresh is a handy feature. Otherwise everyone in the family is hitting the discharge / condition button possibly setting already charged batteries into another wasteful charge cycle.

The only drawback is the price. At $80US, this Medium Rate Universal charger is designed for those that have families or high demand charging needs. It compares to a regular 4 battery Universal charger at $40US.

Check the features though. Many universal chargers can't charge NiMh or NiCd rechargeable batteries with a capacity over 3000 mAh.

I strongly recommend the Ansmann Energy 8 charger for families and people that use a lot of rechargeable batteries and need reliability.