The factory default of MAX5422 is set at midscale, which is 25k. Please refer to the description of Nonvolatile Memory section on Page 9 of the datasheet (Rev 0; 7/04).
MAX5422
Production
The MAX5422/MAX5423/MAX5424 nonvolatile, lineartaper,
digital potentiometers perform the function of a
mechanical potentiometer, but replace the mechanics...
Datasheet
MAX5422 on Analog.com
The factory default of MAX5422 is set at midscale, which is 25k. Please refer to the description of Nonvolatile Memory section on Page 9 of the datasheet (Rev 0; 7/04).