DOM
I started mine up last night.

First you are right about the 10k resistor it will start with the built in one, I don't have to kick start it. When it connects the led is blue. Then it flashes green and red when the data starts.
At this point it should start for you. One other thing you could check is if you have an XDF file in the XDF directory. ALDL Droid checks this at start up. I know this seems strange as you only want to see it connect at the moment. But I just remembered that I had to put an XDF file into that directory. When mine starts I get a comment that the XDF file it could not be parsed properly. This could be why I'm still getting wrong data.

Next you could try this.
Try ALDL Scan app. Its easily obtained from play store.
It connects to the RED devil ok. From the menu select Vehicle protocol (ALDL file) pick one of the pre installed ones that suits you. Then select Adapter. Then press view data.
It should start when you touch the arrows icon.
This programme uses less baggage but at least you can see if the red devil is working.

What ever my problem is it is the same with both programs. Next step is to check my wiring again.