Maha MH-C801D: A Closer Look

Maha MH-C801D Eight-Cell 1-Hour Battery Charger

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Maha MH-C801D
8-Cell 1-Hour Charger

A Closer Look
October 24, 2005

Introduction • A Closer Look • Worldwide Adapter • Specifications • Conclusion

Let's take a closer look at some of the major features of the MH-C801D.

DIN Power Jack

For those who want a little more info on the power input, here you go.

The MH-C801D has two separate input voltages:

Input 1: Pins 1 and 2 (DC 20V 300mA)
Input 2: Pins 3 and 4 (DC 18V 2000mA)
GND: Pins 5, 6, and 7 (the outer ring)

This is the more professional and reliable way to configure a multi-voltage, multi-capacity charger. A DIN configuration keeps the power differences independent, so there is very little chance of an accidental overcharge of current flowing through the charger. When you're dealing with eight independent battery cells keeping track of the charging levels, this is a much more professional way of handling electrical currents.

The Multi-Status LCD Display

If you're a Maha fan, you'll be excited to know an LCD display is now featured. Due to the complexity of the MH-C801D, bright lights in multiple colors wouldn't necessarily do the job. From the image on your left, you'll notice there are 3-segments, indicating the charging status of the battery. One segment represents 0-50% charge, two segments are 50-80% of a completed charge, and 3 segments indicate the battery is in 80-100% of its charge. When the battery has been completely charged, you will see a DONE display over the blanked-out segment charge indicator. There are other indications on the LCD display you should be aware of. If you see a battery shell, but without the segments, this indicates an abnormal battery which needs to be conditioned--not charged (normally, your batteries will display a one-segment indication if they have lost their charge). If you see a battery shell with the 3 segments and it is flashing, this indicates you have a battery fault.

Rapid, Soft, and Conditioning Charges

Maha MH-C801D Conditioning and Soft charging buttons

There is no "Rapid Charge" button per se because the charger automatically begins to charge the batteries at its highest and quickest charging level when you insert the batteries into the cells. If you want the Soft Charging mode, you must press the SOFT button within five seconds of inserting the batteries into the charger. If you want to condition the batteries, you must press the Conditioning Symbol within five seconds of inserting the batteries.

Conditioning Works!

The conditioning feature on the charger is probably alone worth the money you'll spend. After going through several boxes of old equipment, I managed to find a pair of Maha 1600mAh AA batteries. Honestly, I can remember when I purchased these things, but it was at least three years ago. Probably even four years ago. The conditioning process took much quicker than 14 hours because the batteries themselves could not possibly retain ALL of their charge. However, I managed to get around 1250mAh. The batteries didn't retain the charge for long, and I tested them in a A/V receiver remote. The batteries lasted for about a week. This is quite amazing really, because these batteries were basically dead. Just imagine what the MH-C801D can do for batteries that actually have a charge left in them. Suffice it to say, I was very impressed with the conditioning mode.

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