Vantage 500 running an LN 25; Voltmeter question

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I'm running an LN 25 on a Vantage 500.  I set the voltage on the Vantage to the required parameters (in this case 26.0 volts).  When I look at the volt meter on the wire feeder, its maxed out, I assume this is open circuit voltage??I've checked the other settings, and they appear to be correct, welder mode switch to CV on the welder and on the feeder, the wire feeder voltmeter switch on the welder and feeder to + (correctly matches the DC Rev. for the process I'm using).Is this normal for this combination?  I'm new to this particular setup but I've used the LN 25 with a Ranger 8 for years and the meter on the feeder does not max out.  (Of course there is no meter on the Ranger so the only way you can set the voltage is by the meter on the feeder).BTW, the Vantage/LN 25 setup welds sweetly, no issues other than the voltmeter question.I have not had anyone observe the meter on the feeder while I'm welding so I cannot say if it comes down to somewhat match the Vantage meter.Thanx in advance
Reply:You are correct. OCV is 58 volts. The meter on the LN 25 only reads to 40 volts. It is designed to take voltage up to 110 volts with out damage. So it will read full scale until you start welding. You will need a helper to read the weld voltage on the meter. I have one customer that sets the weld voltage on the welder then has his welder start welding and adjusts The feed speed to the current he wants the welding done at.He does structural.
Reply:yes its OCV once you strike an arc the vantage will do its magic to keep the voltage in the sweet spot.    If your setting the voltage @ the machine your most likely not actually welding within the voltage range you think you are.     The proper voltage measurements are to be taken at the wire feeder due to line losses through the welding leads.Its a huge pain in the rear to it at the feeder but its doable by yourself.  After a while you will get good at guessing the losses for the amount of lead you have strung out.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Thanks ccawgc & Dualie for your responses.  I'll play with it some more today and dial it in.
Reply:im currently working with my dad as a utility welder helper on the pipeline in northern bc and he has a vantage 400 and we have been running our ln25 and she couldnt be smoother. the dials on the welder are buggered up but they seem to work when we switch it to wire but with stick we figured not to even look at the digital and just go by the numbers on the machine but other than that she runs great so never trust gages a good welder should feel the optimum temp for themselves. and i was just wondering what a journeyman welder makes down in the states considering im from canada.