Install OS and Jetpack after PXE boot up

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties installing the operating system and Jetpack components on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices after booting via PXE (Preboot Execution Environment). The main symptoms include:

• Inability to install the OS onto SSDs due to the SD card image being incompatible with SSDs.
• Failed attempts to create an image using the SDK Manager, as the components created match those already configured for PXE boot.
• Problems encountered while trying to partition the SSD and manually install a boot manager like GRUB.
• The issue arises during the setup phase when users aim to prepare multiple Jetson devices for independent operation.

The problem is reported consistently across various setups, indicating that users are unable to achieve a self-flashing capability for their devices. This significantly impacts user experience, as it complicates the deployment of applications and software packages across multiple devices.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The SD card image is not suitable for SSD installations, leading to installation failures.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues with the SDK Manager or PXE boot configurations may prevent successful installations.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings during the partitioning or image creation process can lead to installation failures.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder the installation process.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or temperature fluctuations could affect device performance during installation.
• User Errors: Misconfigurations during setup, such as incorrect partitioning or using inappropriate commands, might contribute to the problem.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the installation issues on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that all connections are secure and that the SSD is properly installed in the Jetson device.

2. Use a Compatible Image:

   • Instead of using an SD card image, create a custom image tailored for SSDs. Use tools like dd to create an image from a working setup:

     sudo dd if=/dev/sdX of=/path/to/backup.img bs=4M
     

   • Replace /dev/sdX with your SSD’s identifier.

3. Prepare PXE Server:

   • If using PXE, ensure that your server is correctly configured to serve the appropriate root filesystem (rootfs) via NFS.

4. Install SDK Manager:

   • Download and run the latest version of SDK Manager in a compatible environment (preferably Ubuntu 20.04).
   • Use Docker if necessary, ensuring proper volume mounts:

     docker run -v /dev/bus/usb:/dev/bus/usb/ -v /media/nvidia:/media/nvidia:slave --privileged --network host -it sdkmanager:<version> --cli --action install
     

5. Check Logs for Errors:

   • If installations hang (e.g., at 99%), export logs from SDK Manager for troubleshooting:
     • Click on “EXPORT LOGS” in the SDK Manager GUI to gather relevant information.

6. Manual Bootloader Installation:

   • If attempting manual GRUB installation, ensure that you are copying all necessary files from NFS to local partitions correctly. Follow this command sequence:

     sudo cp -r /mnt/nfs/rootfs/* /mnt/local/rootfs/
     

   • Install GRUB by running:

     sudo grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/mnt/local/rootfs/boot/efi --bootloader-id=GRUB
     

7. Consider Mass Flashing:

   • For multiple devices, consider using mass flashing techniques instead of PXE. Prepare a mass flash package from a fully configured Jetson device and deploy it across all units.

8. Seek Community Support:

   • Engage with Nvidia forums or community discussions for additional insights and potential fixes shared by other users facing similar issues.

9. Documentation and Updates:

   • Regularly check Nvidia’s official documentation for updates on Jetpack versions and compatibility notes.

10. Future Prevention:

    • Maintain backups of working configurations and images.
    • Document any successful setups for future reference.

By systematically following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and resolve their installation issues effectively. If problems persist, further investigation into specific hardware configurations or software versions may be necessary.