Ansmann FAQ Page

Question: Is it easily possible to replace batteries by rechargeable cells?

Answer: In principle, any exchange is possible and with regard to costs and environment it is also very sensible. User appliances such as digital cameras, CD-player, toys, lamps and so on are normally constructed in a way that normal function is guaranteed down to a cell voltage of about 0,9 volt per individual cell. Therefore you can be sure that the rechargeable battery with a voltage of 1,2 volt has no disadvantages at all, compared to a throwaway battery with 1,5 volt


Question: Is it possible to exchange NiCd and NiMH cells for each other without any concerns?

Answer: As both types of cells have the same basic voltage, they can be exchanged for each other. However, you should pay attention that only cells of one type of rechargeable batteries and from one manufacturer are charged in the battery charger. You should not charge different types of cells (NiCd/NiMH) at the same time. The only exception is where you use a microcontroller supervised charger such as the Powerline series, when mixing of cells is no problem.


Question: Is there a danger to the cells by charging them in timer-controlled chargers (Accufresh-series, PhotoCam power set) while partially charged cells are charged?

Answer: No, in this case there is no danger that the cells can be damaged, as the charging current is normally chosen correspondingly, so that it charges with 1/10 of the cell capacity. The surplus energy is transformed into heat and is emitted to the outside. Ideally, by using a charger of the Accufresh series, you should previously discharge the cells so that the cells are in a defined condition.



Question: Why is it necessary to discharge NiCd cells before the process of charging?

Answer: You should discharge NiCd cells before every fifth to tenth process of charging in order to avoid the feared memory effect. The memory effect has the consequence that the not used parts of the cell due to partially discharging are no longer in a position to receive and produce energy. Consequently, the operating times of their users (appliances) become shorter and shorter and the cells have to be recharged more frequently.


Question: Why is it possible to charge NiCd and NiMH cells in chargers of the POWERline series at the same time?

Answer: As all chargers of the POWERline series comprise of individual supervision of every charging box, it is possible to charge different types of cells as well as cells with different capacities and conditions at the same time. Each charging location ends the process of charging as soon as the maximum of capacity of the cell is reached. Then, the charger switches to trickle charging.



Question: Is it possible to leave the cells in the charger for an unlimited period of time?

Answer: Yes, you can leave the cells for an unlimited time in chargers of the Accufresh and POWERline series, as after the process of charging, these chargers turn automatically to trickle charging. The cells are kept at a power of 100 %. Consequently, self-discharging of the cell is prevented.

There is also no danger of detrimental overcharging in chargers of the Basic series, as the charging current is kept very low. However, the charging current in these chargers is not interrupted.



Question: Is it also possible to charge NiCd cells in the PHOTO Cam Power set?

Answer: This device is constructed in a way that automatic charging of NiMH cells is guaranteed. If you intend to charge NiCd cells, you should pay attention that overcharging of the cells is prevented. You can find out the charging time for each capacity by means of a formula.

The charging time is dependent on charging current and nominal capacity. Please take this formula out of the leaflet or the operating instructions of your charger.



Question: Can your chargers be used world-wide?

Answer: It is possible to employ the chargers POWERline 4, POWERline 6, POWERline 4 traveller and the ENERGY-Series (ENERGY 4, ENERGY 8 & ENERGY 16), as well as the universal power supply APS 1212 traveller and the chargers for battery packs ACS 410 traveller, ACS 410p traveller with any voltage network in the world, as these chargers are intelligent they work with an input voltage anywhere between 100 and 240 V AC.



Question: What is the difference between Powerline 4, Powerline 4 traveller and DigiCam Power-Set traveller?

Answer: The difference between Powerline 4 and Powerline 4 traveller is that the Powerline 4 traveller is equipped with a primary plug set system for various countries (UK, AUS, US, EURO plug). Thanks to the electronic power supply both versions can be used worldwide with different mains voltages from 100 to 240 V AC. The DIGICAM Power-Set traveller is a complete set consisting of the Powerline 4 traveller charger and 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries.Why do the LEDs red-green light when inserting rechargeable batteries into the Energy charger?
The Energy series has an automatic refreshing programme. That means that during the first 10-15 minutes the rechargeable battery is tested and the refreshing process is started, if necessary. During this process the LEDs are flashing red-green. After this testing period the charger switches automatically to fast charging mode (steady red light) when the battery is in good condition.What does REFRESHING mean?
Refreshing means that damaged cells (e.g. deep discharged cells or rechargeable batteries that have not been in use for some time) are reactivated. After the diagnosis is executed for each rechargeable battery, a refreshing programme is invoked. Depending upon the condition of the inserted battery the refreshing programme will pass through several cycles until the battery is regenerated. With highly damaged cells the refresh mode can take up to 24 hours maximum. During this phase the voltage of the battery is tested in regular intervals. Defective cells that cannot be reactivated are displayed by a flashing red LED of the corresponding charging slot („Akku defekt“). The charging current is cut off, the battery must be removed and replaced.



Question: Does the Powerline 4 fully charge high capacity cells?

Answer: The Powerline 4 traveller (with primary plug set) can in any case charge batteries up to 2300 mAh.
The Powerline 4 can charge batteries up to different capacities depending on the production date of the charger (printed on the rear).

Production date Capacity
9945 and lower up to 1800 mAh
from 9945 to 200135 up to 2000 mAh
200135 and higher up to 2300 mAh

If your charger is not able to fully charge batteries with a capacity of 2200 mAh, disconnect it from the mains after termination of charging (steady green LED), wait for about 10 seconds, then connect it to the mains again. With this procedure the missing capacity will be recharged. There is no risk of overcharging the cells since the charger is supervised by –dV control.

Question: Does the Powerline 6 fully charge high capacity cells?
With the Powerline 6 charging high capacity cells depends on the production date of the charger (printed on the rear ).

Production date Capacity
9945 and lower up to 1800 mAh
from 9945 to 200135 up to 2600 mAh

If your charger is not able to fully charge batteries with a capacity of 2200 mAh, disconnect it from the mains after termination of charging (steady green LED), wait for about 10 seconds, then connect it to the mains again. With this procedure the missing capacity will be recharged. There is no risk of overcharging the cells since the charger is supervised by –dV control.