Powerex MH-C808M Ultimate Professional Charger

Powerex MH-C808M Ultimate Professional Charger

An eight-bay, independent-channel charger for AA, AAA, C, and D NiMH/NiCd batteries. Choose Soft or Rapid mode, monitor each cell on the LCD, and use Conditioning to restore underperforming packs. A single unit to manage batteries across cameras, audio gear, flashlights, toys, and LED lighting.

Who should choose this

• Use if you regularly charge a mix of AA/AAA and larger C/D cells and want one reliable charger.
• Use if you need per-cell control and status for uneven sets (e.g., mixed ages/capacities).
• Avoid if you only charge AA/AAA occasionally—an AA/AAA-only travel charger may be smaller and cheaper.
• Avoid if you need Li-ion support—this charger is NiMH/NiCd only.

Key features at a glance

• Eight independent bays: charge 1–8 cells, any mix of sizes.
• Dual-mode charging: Soft (~0.5 A per slot) for battery longevity; Rapid (~1.0 A per slot) when time matters. Actual current may vary by cell condition.
• Conditioning cycle: Controlled discharge then full charge to help recover capacity in tired NiMH/NiCd cells.
• Per-cell LCD: See charging, conditioning, or full status for every slot.
• Smart safety: Temperature and -ΔV detection help prevent overcharge; automatic top-off and maintenance trickle.

Charge time examples

Estimated time = capacity (mAh) ÷ charge current (mA) × 1.2–1.4. Examples:

• AA 2000 mAh in Rapid (~1000 mA): about 2.5–3.0 hours; in Soft (~500 mA): about 5–6 hours.
• AAA 800 mAh in Rapid: about 1.0–1.5 hours; in Soft: about 2–2.5 hours.
• D 8000 mAh in Rapid: about 10–12 hours; in Soft: about 20–24 hours.

How to use

1. Insert cells by size and polarity; mix sizes if needed.
2. Choose charge mode: use Soft for routine charging and to extend battery life; use Rapid when turnaround time is critical.
3. Optionally run Conditioning on sets that seem to end early or show imbalance; allow extra time (several hours to overnight).
4. Let cells rest after charging before high-drain use for best performance.

Best practices

• Group cells by brand/capacity and cycle count for gear that uses them in sets (e.g., 4x AA flashes).
• Prefer Soft mode for low self-discharge (LSD) AA/AAA to maximize lifespan.
• Do not mix chemistries (NiMH with NiCd) in the same device.
• Remove cells once full; avoid storing them long-term in the charger.

Compatibility and safety

• Supported: NiMH and NiCd AA, AAA, C, D.
• Not supported: Li-ion, LiFePO4, alkaline, zinc-carbon, or protected rechargeables.
• Operate on a stable, ventilated surface; keep away from heat and flammable materials.
• Do not charge damaged, leaking, or corroded cells.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Truly universal for NiMH/NiCd sizes; independent slots; conditioning mode; clear per-cell status.
• Cons: Larger footprint than AA/AAA-only chargers; no Li-ion support; Rapid mode runs warmer and may reduce cycle life if overused.

Alternatives

• Mostly AA/AAA users: consider a compact 4–8 bay AA/AAA-only charger for travel.
• Need Li-ion support: choose a dedicated Li-ion charger; this model is not compatible.

FAQ