Hi Mike,
Yes, you are correct.  I am referring to the value of the grid cell before the user has chosen anything.  Regarding the rest of your questions, take a look at the example I uploaded separately.  Apparently the values that I am setting as the default for the cell, IS set as checked in the dropdown.  Assigning the default value just happens to select the first occurrence of that value in the dropdown list – which may not be in the filtered list.  You'll see in the example.

Hi Michael,

    I would like a filtered list based on different criteria for each row.  Currently I am applying the filter on the BeforeCellActivate event.  The filter works but its the setting of the default values that doesn't.  Your example shows setting of default values but 

1) you don't do any filtering and

2) you're using the ultracomboeditor rather than the ultracombo

3) the dropdown list of values doesn't include a displayed value that is in the list at least twice. 

Its the duplicate displayed value that I think is the issue.