Can you not disable the https for the time being?
Did you use the php-bridge connection or the direct to database connection? Works alright through ours using with the https?
Do you want me to try? if so pm the server ftp details etc and Ill give it a go at connecting.., Then if i get it working then Ill send you the config file.
I see your using 1.6 too.. Full of bugs I have been testing it out for the past week to see if there is any point in upgrading but 1.5.6.2 is much more stable...well for me anyway.