What should I do?

I've recently been blessed with an MPC1000. I was told in acquiring the unit that everything works fine. The problem I'm having is that it looks like all the pads are dead so I can't test out any of the functions the pads hold after pressing mode. I guess the first step would be to repair or fix the pads. Or maybe go for the upgrade perhaps? I am leaning more towards the upgrade because I just feel that it may be better. So my real question is will a pad upgrade work? At this point I can only assume that this unit has the first OS Akai used in the 1000. Will the upgrade of new pads be safe to install without an upgraded OS? It's like I'm going in blind and don't know the right move to make. Be that I'm already considering paying for the upgrade any more than that I might have to choke. What should I do?

You said that any of function is not working after pressing mode button, it`s strange. Usually only some of them are not working, so probably you have some problem with the flex cable which is connected to the pad PCB or with the electronics. But maybe I am wrong. Look over this flex or try to upgrade the pads with the new ones.

Thanks for the reply. I found the problem. All the pads are dead. So I did the aluminum foil fix by putting it under the pad and got some action from pad 2. I immediately downloaded the lastest software from akai and was able to put it on the CF card. Software updated flawlessly. As time went on the buttons started to act weird. I think the foil is the problem though. So I plan to remove it ASAP and just do the pad upgrade. Will the upgrade work with the lastest software from akai? My next major problem is the data wheel. The original 1000 has a plastic switch and the only one available is metal. Looks like I'll be forced to soldering since I'm already gonna drop $175 on a pad upgrade. I've never soldered anything and my hands are shaking. What should I do?

The pad upgrade will work with the latest firmware from Akai well, but I recommend to change it on free JJ OS because it`s just better. The soldering work of data wheel is very simple, I think you can do it. You just need to be precise and calm