JetPack 6.0 Installation on Jetson Orin Nano Without Linux PC
Issue Overview
Users are experiencing difficulties installing JetPack 6.0 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit without access to a Linux computer. The main challenges include:
- The need to update QSPI bootloaders using sdkmanager, which is a Linux program
- Confusion about the installation process and requirements
- Lack of a readily available image file with updated bootloaders for direct download
- Uncertainty about using the Orin Nano board itself for the installation process
This issue primarily affects users who purchased the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit and want to set it up using a Windows computer.
Possible Causes
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Hardware Limitation: The Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit requires specific bootloader updates that are typically performed using Linux-based tools.
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Software Dependency: The sdkmanager tool, essential for updating QSPI bootloaders, is only available for Linux operating systems.
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Firmware Compatibility: Different versions of L4T (Linux for Tegra) require specific QSPI content, which needs to be flashed separately.
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Installation Process Complexity: The multi-step process involving QSPI flashing and SD card preparation can be confusing for new users.
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Documentation Gaps: Lack of clear instructions for users without access to a Linux PC may contribute to the confusion.
Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes
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Use a Linux PC (Recommended Solution)
- Install Ubuntu 20.04 on a PC or create a live USB boot drive
- Ubuntu 20.04 is compatible with two JetPack releases, offering more flexibility
- Download and run sdkmanager on the Linux PC
- Use sdkmanager to update the QSPI bootloaders and prepare the SD card image
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Alternative: Use Ubuntu 22.04
- If you intend to use only the most recent JetPack release, Ubuntu 22.04 is sufficient
- Follow the same steps as with Ubuntu 20.04
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Understanding QSPI Flashing
- QSPI memory contains boot content equivalent to BIOS and boot chain
- QSPI must be flashed once with JetPack/SDKM for each major L4T release
- After flashing QSPI for a major release (e.g., R35.x), any SD card for that release will work
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Migrating Between L4T Releases
- When moving from one major release (e.g., R35.x) to another (e.g., R36.x), QSPI must be flashed again
- Within the same major release, QSPI flashing is usually not required for newer SD card releases
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Dealing with Developer Preview Releases
- For L4T R36.x (developer preview), occasional QSPI reflashing may be necessary for bug fixes
- Always check the release notes for any specific instructions
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Checking Current L4T Version
- To verify your current L4T version, use the following command on the Jetson board:
head -n 1 /etc/nv_tegra_release
- To verify your current L4T version, use the following command on the Jetson board:
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Important Note for JetPack 6.0 (Developer Preview)
- As JetPack 6.0 is a developer preview, be prepared for potential instability and the need for more frequent updates
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Unable to Use Windows or Orin Nano Board Directly
- It is not possible to run sdkmanager on Windows or directly on the Orin Nano board for initial setup
- A Linux PC is required for the initial QSPI flashing process
By following these steps and understanding the process, users should be able to successfully install JetPack 6.0 on their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. Remember that access to a Linux PC (preferably running Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04) is crucial for the initial setup process.