Hi, never used this function on that charger - I just use it for regular charging. Here is the description from the website: “The charger makes use of a deep battery conditioning system that charges, deep-discharges, and then recharges batteries automatically, whipping them into shape to ensure that they provide the best possible performance”
I use this function on C900 and very rarely - yes it charges, discharges and recharges again - I guess with attempt to remove any memory. And yes, it takes forever for AA, gues with D cells should be much longer. If I remember correctly Maha recommended conditioning once every 10 normal charges.
Soft charge is just slow charge I think - also never used it.
I will set up now my charger with 8 AA batteries and will let you know once it finishes this conditioning.