Powerex MH-C204FA AA/AAA Charger

Powerex MH-C204FA AA/AAA Charger

The Powerex MH-C204FA is a straightforward, fast, and battery-friendly charger for AA and AAA NiMH and NiCd cells. Four truly independent slots let you mix sizes and states of charge without pairing cells or waiting for matched sets.

Key features

• Four independent channels: charge 1–4 cells in any mix of AA/AAA, each managed and terminated individually.
• Smart control: microprocessor-managed fast charge, followed by a top-off and a gentle maintenance phase.
• Battery chemistry support: optimized for NiMH; compatible with legacy NiCd.
• Per-slot status LEDs: quick “charging” and “ready” confirmation at a glance.
• Travel ready: works on 100–240 V AC mains; use the proper plug adapter when abroad.

Typical charge-time estimates

Actual times vary with capacity, temperature, and starting state of charge.

• AA 1900–2500 mAh: about 2–4.5 hours from near empty.
• AAA 700–1100 mAh: about 1.5–3 hours from near empty.
• Partially used cells: finish proportionally faster.

When to choose it

• Use if you want a reliable daily driver with independent slots and minimal setup.
• Use if your household rotates many AA/AAA cells for cameras, flashes, headlamps, toys, remotes, or input devices.
• Avoid if you need advanced readouts (mAh, internal resistance) or specialized modes (discharge/refresh, break‑in, analysis).
• Avoid if you require USB-powered charging—this model uses AC mains.

What it does not do

• No LCD or capacity measurement; no test/refresh analytics.
• Not for alkaline, lithium primary, Li‑ion/Li‑poly, or rechargeable 9V/C/D cells.
• Does not revive severely damaged or leaking batteries—recycle those safely.

Setup and daily use

1. Inspect cells and wipe contacts if dusty; do not use swollen, leaking, or dented batteries.
2. Insert AA/AAA cells matching the polarity symbols in each slot.
3. Connect to an AC outlet (100–240 V). Per-slot LEDs indicate charging; they switch to “ready” when that slot completes.
4. Remove finished cells promptly. It’s fine to leave cells on maintenance briefly, but store charged cells for longer-term use.

Compatibility and best practices

• Works with low self-discharge (LSD) NiMH cells (e.g., pre-charged AAs/AAAs) as well as standard NiMH.
• Mixing sizes and states of charge is fine; each slot terminates independently.
• For devices that use pairs/quads, label sets so they age together.
• Avoid extreme heat/cold during charging; use on a hard, ventilated surface.

Travel and power

• Input: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use the appropriate plug adapter for the region.
• Compact, durable body fits easily in a drawer or travel pouch.

Care and battery health

• Recharge before cells are fully depleted to reduce stress, especially for NiMH.
• Top up cells if they have sat unused for weeks before important use.
• Store batteries at moderate temperatures; avoid hot cars or freezing garages.

Alternatives to consider

• Need analytics (capacity tests, refresh/break‑in)? Consider an analyzing charger with a display.
• Need USB power input for travel or field use? Consider a USB‑powered multi-slot charger.

FAQ

• Can I charge one AAA and three AAs at the same time? Yes. All four slots are independent and support AA or AAA.
• Does it support low self-discharge (pre-charged) NiMH cells? Yes. LSD NiMH cells work well and benefit from the gentle maintenance phase.
• Can I charge alkaline or lithium primary batteries? No. Charge only AA/AAA NiMH or NiCd cells.
• Does it measure capacity or run refresh cycles? No. It is a fast, smart charger without analysis/test modes.
• Is it okay to leave batteries in after they’re full? Short periods are fine, but remove within a reasonable time after “ready” to minimize heat and wear.

Bottom line

A dependable, no-fuss charger with independent slots and smart termination. It’s a practical choice for keeping AA/AAA NiMH (and legacy NiCd) batteries ready without turning charging into a project.