Nederlands
The AOI Modular Tray System (MDS) is a configurable underwater tray platform built from separate modular components. Instead of using one fixed tray size, the system can be expanded and adjusted for different underwater housings, action cameras and accessory setups. The modular construction allows underwater photographers and videographers to build a tray configuration around their own camera setup. Frame sections, extension plates, handle pads and mounting accessories are all available separately within the AOI MDS system. Because the system consists of many separate parts, the different tray configurations can initially look complicated.This guide explains how the AOI Modular Tray System is assembled and how the different components work together.
The modular frame structure
The foundation of the AOI MDS system starts with the modular L-bracket frame sections. These aluminium frame sections form the outer structure of the tray system around the underwater housing. The frame sections are available individually or as complete four-piece kits such as the AOI MDS-01 L Bracket 4 Pieces Black, the silver version and the red version. Each frame section contains multiple mounting points for extension plates, accessories, handles and stabilising components. Four frame sections together create the standard square MDS frame.
Handle pads mounted on the side of the tray
The tray can be equipped with dedicated handle pads mounted on both sides of the frame. These pads improve grip and underwater handling while keeping the tray compact and lightweight. The AOI MDS-01 Handle Pad Black and white version are installed directly onto the side frame sections where the tray is held during underwater use.
Compact tray setups without extension plates
In its most compact configuration, the AOI Modular Tray System is assembled directly from the four frame sections without additional extension plates between the brackets. This compact frame size is mainly used for action cameras, lightweight underwater video setups and smaller underwater housings. The complete AOI MDS-01 HT-1616 Action Cam Configuration is an example of this compact tray setup and includes handle pads, ball mounts and a GoPro-style mounting adapter.
50 mm extension plates for wider tray configurations
When additional tray width is required, the frame can be expanded with the AOI EP5 extension plates. These 50 mm (≈2") extension plates are installed between the upper and lower frame sections to widen the overall tray structure. The AOI MDS-01 Extension Plate 50mm series is commonly used for slightly larger underwater housings (such as the OM System Tg7 waterproof housing) where more internal frame width is required. By widening the tray system, additional space becomes available around the underwater housing while keeping the modular frame structure unchanged.
20 mm extension plates for additional width and height
For larger underwater housings, AOI also offers smaller 20 mm (≈0.8") EP2 extension plates. These extension plates are typically combined with the larger EP5 extensions. The AOI MDS-01 Extension Plate 20mm components are mounted around all four sides of the frame and increase both frame width and frame height. This larger modular configuration is used for the larger AOI underwater housings for OM System and Sony cameras where additional internal tray space is needed. By combining the EP5 and EP2 extensions, the overall tray dimensions can be adjusted more precisely for different underwater housing sizes.
GoPro-style mount adapter inside the tray frame
The AOI MDS system can also be equipped with a central GoPro-style mounting adapter. The AOI GP-FM-01 mount adapter is positioned centrally inside the frame and allows an action camera or compatible accessory to be mounted directly onto the tray. This mounting solution is mainly used in compact underwater video and action camera configurations.
Ball mounts for underwater lighting arms
The tray system can also be configured with modular ball mounts for underwater lighting arms and accessories. The AOI BM-03 Ball Mount provides a standard ball connection for compatible underwater clamps, lighting arms and accessory mounts. These ball mounts are commonly installed on both sides of the tray system for underwater video lighting setups.
Stability braces for larger AOI underwater housings
AOI also offers dedicated stabilising braces for larger underwater housing configurations. These braces improve support and rigidity within expanded tray setups.
The AOI STB-01 Stability Brace is designed for the AOI UH-OM1II underwater housing used with the MDS Tray-01.
The AOI STB-02 Stability Brace is designed for the AOI UH-A7CII underwater housing used with the MDS Tray-02.
For these larger tray configurations, AOI recommends combining both the 50 mm EP5 extension plates and the additional 20 mm EP2 extension plates. The EP5 extension plates increase frame width, while the EP2 extensions further increase both frame width and frame height for larger OM System and Sony underwater housings.
AOI MDS tools and spare parts
For tray assembly, maintenance and replacement hardware, AOI also offers the dedicated AOI Modular System Tools and Spare Parts Set. The toolkit contains Allen keys, spare screws, washers, spring washers, end caps and additional small spare components used throughout the AOI Modular Tray System. All parts are supplied in a compact storage case for easier transport and organisation during maintenance or travel.
A modular tray system built around your camera setup
The AOI Modular Tray System is designed around flexibility and expandability. The tray can remain compact for action cameras or be expanded into a larger modular frame for underwater housings and accessories. Because all frame sections, extension plates and accessories are available separately, the tray system can be configured step by step for different underwater camera setups and underwater video configurations.
