Powerex MH-C801D 1-Hr PRO Charger

Powerex MH-C801D 1-Hr PRO Charger

The MH-C801D is an 8-bay, smart charger for AA/AAA NiMH batteries. Each slot is fully independent, so you can charge any mix of sizes and states of charge. Choose Rapid mode when you need power fast, or Soft mode to reduce heat and extend cell life. A built-in conditioning cycle can refresh older packs.

Who should choose this charger

• Use if you rotate many AA/AAA NiMH batteries for flashes, wireless mics, or LED lights and need quick turnaround.
• Use if you want independent per-slot control and simple status via a backlit LCD.
• Avoid if you need USB-powered travel charging or detailed capacity analysis (mAh readouts). Consider a compact USB charger or an analyzer-style charger instead.

Key features

• Eight independent charging channels for AA/AAA NiMH (no pairing required).
• Selectable Rapid or Soft charge to balance speed vs. longevity.
• Conditioning (discharge/charge) to help recover performance on older cells.
• Backlit LCD shows per-slot progress and completion.
• Temperature and voltage monitoring for safety; automatic termination when full.

Typical charge times

Actual time depends on battery capacity and condition. Expect:

• AA 2000–2600 mAh: about 1–1.5 hours in Rapid, 2–3 hours in Soft.
• AAA 800–1000 mAh: about 1.5–2.5 hours in Rapid; longer in Soft.

Conditioning cycles take significantly longer (often 6–12+ hours) because the charger fully discharges then recharges the cells.

Quick start

1. Insert AA or AAA NiMH cells in any slots (do not mix chemistries).
2. Select Rapid for fastest turnaround, or Soft to reduce heat and stress.
3. Optional: Run Conditioning to refresh older batteries (use sparingly).
4. Wait for the LCD to show full; remove and allow cells to cool before use.

Battery care and conditioning

• Use Soft mode for routine charging to reduce heat and extend cycle life.
• Run Conditioning only when you notice reduced runtime or voltage sag—often every 1–3 months for heavily used packs.
• Avoid charging hot batteries; let them cool to room temperature first.
• Store NiMH cells partially charged (40–60%) if not used for weeks; top up before the job.

Safety and compatibility

• Compatible batteries: NiMH AA and AAA only.
• Do not charge alkaline, lithium-ion, NiCd, or primary (non-rechargeable) cells.
• Use on a hard, ventilated surface; do not cover the charger during operation.
• If the charger indicates an error (e.g., bad cell), remove and test/retire the battery.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Fast multi-bay charging, independent slots, simple mode selection, conditioning option, clear LCD.
• Cons: Larger footprint than travel chargers; Rapid mode can warm cells; no detailed capacity readouts; AC-powered (not USB).

At-a-glance specs

FAQ