Using DVT software/IXXAT cable

I received my lucky ebay catch last week (older version 1.5 IXXAT cable) and SyCo hooked me up with the appropriate DVT software to match. Last night, I thought...I have everything I need now to look into these Sevcon controller settings...so here we go! I fabricated a female DB9 with pin connectors and connected to the 35 pin Ampseal connector on the Sevcon as follows: DB9 pin #2 to AMP35 pins #2 & #24, DB9 pin #7 to AMP35 pin #13, then DB9 pin #3 to Battery (-) on the Sevcon controller. I connect my laptop to the USB IXXAT cable, load DVT software, recognize that the IXXAT is communicating with the DVT software, but can never establish communications with the Sevcon controller. I tried every baud rate, cycling the power each time, hearing the contactor drop in/out with each cycle...never one iota of communication with the controller.


My question is....does the Sevcon controller have to be connected back to the 35 pin connector (from the wiring harness). In other words, as I'm trying to get this to work now, the female 35 pin Ampseal connector is dangling, not connected, not being used, etc. I'm asking this because I'm now thinking the key is really not cycling power to the Sevcon Controller even though I hear the contactor dropping in/out. Pin #1 of the Ampseal connector on the Sevcon controller is "key on" state. Because my cable is not connected (while I have the IXXAT/computer connected), the Sevcon controller is not really being powered on. Am I correct on this?


Assuming I'm correct, I think I'll have to buy a male & female 35 pin Ampseal connector and fabricate something that will allow me to tap into the appropriate pins while connecting the original wiring harness back to the Sevcon controller. Or, can I just tap into the appropriate wires coming off pins 2, 24, & 7 that come out of the wiring harness?


Any advice would be appreciated.


Thanks!