James Waldby wrote:

I agree with the advice to get a good charger with automatic
shutoff, but disagree that the Maha 204 is "absolutely right".

Either your batteries or your charger was defective. My 204 has been in
use now for almost two years with no problems whatsoever. Yours is the
first report I've seen with this problem. Did you contact the dealer
about the problem?

Ted