Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Being brand new to the electronic set up, having played accoustic for 
donkeys, it's good to see that us older ones (late 40's) are still 
getting enjoyment playing drums after all these years. Once a 
drummer...............!! 
I'm slowly (very) coming to terms with my electric kit. I picked it
up 
second hand, so that I could compare the feel,and experience, before 
possibly upgrading further. 
I've got an original DTxpress with Roland KD80 kick and mesh snare 
with Roland cymbals. All other pads are Yamaha. 
As accoustic drums don't come with instruction manuals, and electric 
do, I've done a lot of headscratching but am managing to get a decent 
sound from them and am enjoying the experience.
Few questions however, which I'm hoping to have your assistance on.
1 Being an older kit, some of the pads do seem loose when attached to 
the frame and theres a bit of movement even when tightened. Can the 
pads be dismantled and the clamp inside(or whatever) be tightened?
2 I like a good cymbal crash, but am having difficulty getting a 
decent, loud sound when playing in the band, and a good bell sound. 
Any tips?
3 Can you recommend the best midi cable to get and where to get it 
from so i can download some kits?  

Thanks a lot, and keep up the good work. I'm sure these won't be my 
only questions

Steve