Different Make..same capacity. OK?

[bluewater]

Sorry if this has been covered but the search function didn't help much.

I recently purchased a Maha C204W charger. It recommends only charging pairs of the same make and capacity together. Is there any great problem charging a pair of the same capacity/different maker? Apparently you can damage the batteries. They aren't much good to me individually so if I damage them no loss.

 

[VidPro]

if its a series charger, and is asking for pairs, that is how the charger functions, by charging that "SET" of batteries.
if they are offset in capacity, one will overcharge more, if its a very slow charger, it will make little difference, if its a fast charger, or seeking a termination based on voltage, then it will hurt them more.

if you have nothing to loose, then you probably will loose nothing, they should not vent or explode, unless it is a very fast charger.

 

[mdocod]

even similar capacity cells can have dramatically different internal resistance, this could effect how the cells take a charge and could lead to one cell being overcharged more dramatically. I would charge only with pairs of same brand and capacity.

better solution is to get a charger that has individual channel monitoring/control.