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| MAHA MH-C401FS 100 min AA / AAA Battery Charger and Wall AC/ Car DC adapter with Scratch-Guard Protector Bag and X4 2700 Mah Nimh Batteries | 
 enlarge | Brand: Maha
Category: CE
List Price: $95.91
Buy New: $47.95
You Save: $47.96 (50%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  (5 reviews)
Sales Rank: 21566
UPC: 637836412693
EAN: 0637836412693
ASIN: B000EJTOB8
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Charge AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries in 100 Minutes Accurately and Coolly | | • | Unique FLEX negative pulse charging algorithm allow the battery to accept a more complete charge. | | • | Manually Switch between 100 minute fast charge and 5 hour gentle charge | | • | Four Independent Charging Circuit allows each battery to be charged to its full potential without risk of overcharging. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Unlike other fast chargers, the MH-401FS allow you to recharge AA & AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries accurately and coolly, in around 100 minutes (AAA charges in around 1 hour) .This charger comes with AC adapter, DC adapter, batteries carrying case, user manual and Scratch-guard protector case for easier transportation, protection and storage. Limited Lifetime Warranty
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| Customer Reviews:
 Great charger for us! December 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm writting this review because a year ago I purchased the MH-C401FS, and have been completely happy with it.
At the time I purchased this unit, I spent 2 months researching different chargers, and agonized over "which is the best charger" out there.
I have 2 kids under the age of 8, and we go through AA batteries faster than I could ever imagine. In the past year, I have used the MH-C401 primarily to keep batteries for toys around the house, and a digital camera. The charger has worked great for us.
I guess what I like best, is the fact that it charges each battery independently. The simple red/green light indicator is perfect, so that anyone in the family knows in a second which batteries they can use.
I know some other reviews have been disappointed by the 100+ minute charging time. I use eneloop 2100mAh batteries, and the charging time has never been an issue. They seeem to be always ready with in the approx 100 minute claim.
The other huge positive, (and this has more to do with the eneloop's) is they really do maintain a charge for months at a time. This has made them a great fit for my family's use, and work great with the charger.
Again, I'm writting this because I agonized over the decision, and it's been a great charger.
 This is a lousy charger. March 17, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought this charger because because of the marketing points presented on the Maha Web site and the box the charger comes in:
C401FS 100 Minute Cool Charger
"Ultra low temperature charging"
"FLEX Pulse also makes traditional 'battery conditioning & cycling' unnecessary."
"Rapid charge NiMH AA batteries in under 100 minutes, coolly and efficiently."
Once you read the instruction sheet, things are quite different. It warns that batteries may reach 131 degrees F and you should leave the cover open for "better cooling." Also, "...it is necessary to cycle (new batteries) three to five times...by using (them) completely and recharging..." I also noticed it was taking considerably longer than 100 minutes to fast charge four 2700 mAh PowerEx batteries.
I queried Maha's support and received this response:
"The 100 min charging time is based on a 2000mAh batteries (sic). The charging current for the MH-C401FS is 1000mA, thus requiring about 3 hours to recharge a 2700mAh battery. Please make sure the charger's cover lid is open during charging, to avoid battery overheating. If you are still dissatisfied with the battery temperature, I'd recommend going to the MH-C9000, which has a larger size, thus better cooling." The tech didn't bother to comment on the cycling issue, though.
From the manufacturer's hype, one is lead to believe this charger has features that set it apart from others. However, this is not the case. In the fast mode, this charger will cook batteries as good as any other fast charger. It hasn't a conditioning mode, either.
Clearly, there is a major disconnect between Maha's engineering and marketing departments. From "ultra low temperature" to 131 degrees F, from "coolly" to "overheat", from "cycling unnecessary" to "it is necessary to cycle" and from "under 100" to 180 minutes for "fast" charging in the time it took to open the box.
Unless four independent charging circuits and NiCad functionality are on your wish list, this charger is no better than bargain units at half the price. So, take the manufacturer's suggestion and buy something else.
 "100-minute" charger not what it used to be September 22, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
The MAHA MH-C401FS is marketed as a "100-minute battery charger". But when you use it to charge up the 2700mAh batteries that came with this charger, you'll most likely have to wait for around 160 minutes. So who lied?
The fact is, C401FS charges AA cells at a fixed current of 1000mA (in Fast mode). Several years ago when this charger was first introduced, the average capacity of an AA NiMH cell was much lower. Perhaps back then, it took about 1.6 hours (or 100 minutes) to fully recharge a 1600mAh cell. But today's AA NiMH cells have much higher capacities. So to charge up a 2700mAh cell, it now takes about 2.7 hours (or 160 minutes) to finish the job.
Aside from the misleading marketing claim, the C401FS is actually a decent charger. It is a 'Smart' charger that charges each cell individually, and stops when each cell is full. It also allows you to select between Fast (1000mA) and Slow (300mA) charging. Unless you are in a hurry, choose the slow mode since it is better for the cells. Just remember that it takes about 9 hours to fully recharge a 2700mAh cell in slow mode.
Unfortunately, the C401FS is also way over-priced for a simple charger in today's market. For about the same cost, you may want to consider an advanced battery charger/analyzer, such as the La Crosse BC-900 or BC700 instead.
Professional type of AA/AAA Charger August 9, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This charger is perfect. If you are in a hurry, use the 100 minute charge. If you plan ahead, use the slow charge and prolong battery longevity.
You can mix from 1 to 4 batteries in any combination of AA/AAA types and any amount of "juice" remaining in each battery. The individual charging circuits adjust the charging accordingly. When each battery is fully charged its LED (4 total) goes from red to green.
The batteries supplied are 2700ma and last longer between recharges. This charger is an ideal complement for a digital camera using AA batteries.
Great for wireless controllers November 22, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I originally bought this for my digital camera batteries since it allows you to leave batteries in the unit all the time and receive a "trickle" charge without damage to the batteries. It works great and the 2700 Mah batteries last a long time, even when taking flash pictures. Althoug the upfront cost is higher, having rechargable batteries is much cheaper than buying regular AA's for use in a digital camera.
After I got my Xbox 360, I started using this to keep a fresh pair of AA's charged for the wireless controller. I can generally get several hours on a full charge and you can always have another pair charging as you play.
I actually got mine from thomas-distributing, but this looks to be similar package deal. The travel kit makes it easy to make sure you have fresh batteries even when on the road.
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