A field study was conducted to compare methods for sampling and analysis of atmospheric constituents that are important contributors to acidic dry deposition. Three multicomponent samplers were used: the Canadian filter pack (FP), the annular denuder system (ADS), and the transition flow reactor (TFR). A tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS) provided continuous reference measurements of NO2 and HNO3. Nitrogen dioxide was also monitored with continuous luminol-based chemiluminescence monitors and with passive sampling devices (PSDs). The study was designed to provide a database for statistical comparison of the various methods with emphasis on the multicomponent samplers under consideration for use in a national dry deposition network. The study was conducted at the EPA dry deposition station in Research Triangle Park, NC between 29 September and 12 October, 1986. Daily averaging and/or sampling times were employed for the 13-day study; weekly samples were also collected, but results from these samples are not compared in the paper. Different measurements of ambient concentrations of the following constituents are compared: total particulate and gaseous NO3(-), HNO3, NO2, total particulate NH4(-), NH3, total particulate SO4(-), and SO2.