StarChaser Mount connection

Hi, I started using StarChaser (SC-3) in Maxim LT and trying to establish communication with iOptron HAE29 mount. Maxim LT does not have observatory control option , but I guess you can still guide the mount through guider settings. So I have several questions

1. I have the latest ASCOM platform installed and running. The mount and SC3 have the right ASCOM drivers and can be connected and controlled in another software using ASCOM protocol (like NINA or PHD2 etc). However if I go back to Maxim LT and select the guider output as ASCOM direct, I get an error indicating Guider settings are incorrect...what am I missing?, Is there a way to know at all in Maxim LT that the mount and SC3 are connected and "talking to each other" ? it seems the are not seeing each other at all , I can't even download the location and time from the mount in Maxim LT settings... moreover ASCOM COM port and setup buttons are greyed out...please advise to how to fix these issues.

2. Do I need to connect ST4 port on the mount to the Guider port on the SC3, if I am using pulse guide ASCOM protocol, I actually did connect it, but nothing changed I still get an error for the direct ASCOM guider signal output.