Sega Activator troubles

[Amon]

I bought an activator from ebay a while ago and it seemed like there was only one broken panel so eventually I bought another so I would have spare parts. I replaced the broken pad but the master panel on both sets arent that responsive at all. Occationally I can trigger it but the rest of the panels work. I even tried mixing and matching the panels. I have cleaned the panel with q-tips and stuff, even tried with one of those camera lens cleaner cloths. Still nothing.

Any suggestions? I have had a look on the inside of the master panel and a regular panel and the ir boards are both the same. I was thinking of replacing the ir board with one that works if I have to, or even replacing the case which means cutting plastic. Are there any less drastic things I can try?

 

[dibz]

I used to have one of these. Honestly they work like crap even when they are new.