What PID were you using, to attempt to generate a TID/SID combination?
Since you're looking for Articuno in HeartGold, it's a Stationary Encounter, so it should not be Grass/Surfing options etc.
If you're using the guide I wrote up, it would be
I think you're doing something very wrong.
Too many words in your post.
You should do things one step at a time, you're rushing too far ahead when you clearly have no idea what you're doing.
If you have issues with a particular step, try to figure out what you're doing wrong, before going to a different step.
Those steps are in that order cause they work (as I've shown in my examples) ><
I'm assuming you're referring to the Apricorn balls? The Apricorn Balls data do not exist in DPPt. Those balls could not be traded over as held items.