| Q: I just got the batteries & charger. What do I need to do before first using them? For
new NiMH batteries, it is necessary to cycle them three to five times
or more before they reach peak performance. Battery cycling can be
achieved simply by using the batteries and recharging them or using the
charger’s built-in conditioner (see below). Q: My charger came with POWEREX AAA batteries. How do I charge them?
- The
charger has two decks: the upper deck is for the AA batteries and the
lower deck is for the AAA batteries. To install the AAA batteries,
simply insert two or four of them into the lower deck, with the
positive tip pointed up.
- If charging two batteries, always use the rightmost two or leftmost two banks. If charging four batteries, fill all four banks.
- Do not charge AA and AAA batteries simultaneously in the same bank.
- While charging batteries, always leave the charger lid open to allow better cooling.
- Follow the directions in the product manual under "Charging Instructions.
Also check out the NiMH Battery & Charger Knowledge Base FAQ's |
 |
Q: The batteries get warm when I charge them. Is this normal? When
charging NiCD or NiMH rechargeable batteries, they do increase in
temperature substantially due to internal resistance. Thus, the
batteries may feel warm when the charge is completed. According to
specification, most NiMH batteries, including MAHA, may heat up to 131 deg F or 55 deg C during a rapid charge. This can certainly feel hot to some individuals. It is also important that you leave the lid open during charging. This can reduce the heat buildup in the MH-C204F charger. Q: What is conditioning? The
conditioning feature on the MH-C204F basically rejuvenates your
batteries by first draining them and then charging them. By using this
feature, your batteries will perform at their highest standards.
Conditioning is also used to eliminate the memory effect which NiCD
batteries suffer from. Q: How often should I condition my batteries? For
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, conditioning is recommended once
for every ten charges. For Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) batteries,
conditioning is recommended every time you charge your batteries. Q: Can I leave my batteries in the charger until I need to use them? For
most NiMH batteries, including MAHA rechargeable batteries, can be left
in the charger for an extended period of time without leakage,
explosion, or deformation. However, do not store the batteries in the
charger if it is not necessary or when the charger is not plugged in.
Always store charged batteries in a cool location. Q: I have not used my NiMH batteries in several months and they are not holding their charge. How can I fix this? NiMH
batteries will self-discharge if left unused. Generally, within 30 to
60 days, batteries will become completely drained. When using them, you
will need to first recharge them. After extended storage, you may need
to condition (using the conditioning feature on POWEREX chargers like
the MH-C204F) the batteries several times to regain nominal
performance. Q: Can I use my MH-C204F in the car? Since
the MH-C204F runs on 12V DC, you can use it in the car provided that
you have a cigarette lighter adapter (Maha Part Number: MHS-DC-124).
Make sure that your vehicle is supplying 13.8V or below. Some trucks
may have 24V. In addition, never plug in the charger or operate your
charger while you are starting your vehicle. Q: Can I use my MH-C204F to charge "Renewal Alkaline" or other rechargeable Alkaline batteries? No.
The MH-C204F is only compatible with NiCD and NiMH style rechargeable
batteries. Charging "Renewal", other alkaline batteries, or any
non-rechargeable batteries, may result in damaging the charger or even
fire. Q: When I insert the batteries into my charger, there are no lights whatsoever. What could be wrong? If
no indicator is displayed, check your power source. Make sure it is
plugged in correctly into a wall outlet with matching specification
listed on the wall adapter. If you continue to experience difficulty,
it may be possible that the wall adapter has failed. In that event,
contact our customer service at 714-990-4557 for assistance. Q: What is the warranty? This product is covered by MAHA's One Year Limited Warranty. |