Jetson Orin Nano 6.0 DP Flashing Issue

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB version using the SDK Manager for JetPack 6.0 DP. The primary symptom reported is that after the flashing process, the NVMe storage remains blank, indicating that the system did not successfully write the necessary files. This issue has been noted to occur during the flashing process, specifically when using a custom carrier board, as opposed to the standard developer kit. The problem has been reported inconsistently; while some users have successfully flashed their systems previously, they are unable to replicate this success on subsequent attempts. The impact of this issue is significant, as it prevents users from utilizing their devices effectively for development purposes.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Using a custom carrier board may lead to compatibility issues with the flashing process, as the configurations may not match those expected by the SDK Manager.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The JetPack 6.0 DP version is still in a developer preview phase, which may contain unresolved bugs that affect its functionality.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings or parameters during the flashing process can lead to failures in writing data to the NVMe storage.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder proper communication between the SDK Manager and the Jetson device.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could interrupt the flashing process.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly following setup instructions or missing necessary steps could lead to persistent issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano).
   • Check connections and ensure that all components are properly seated.

2. Check for Recovery Mode:

   • To enter recovery mode, connect pins 9 and 10 on the button header while powering on the device. This allows the SDK Manager to recognize the board.

3. Use SDK Manager Correctly:

   • Open SDK Manager and select "Manual Setup" when prompted. Ensure that you select "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit" as your target hardware.
   • If errors occur during flashing, use the "EXPORT LOGS" feature to gather logs for troubleshooting.

4. Flashing Commands:

   • For users with a custom carrier board, try using specific commands:

     sudo ./flash.sh -c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml --no-systemimg jetson-orin-nano-devkit-nvme internal
     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-nvme internal
     

5. Revert to Previous Versions:

   • If issues persist with JetPack 6.0 DP, consider reverting to JetPack 5.x versions which may offer more stability.

6. Check Logs:

   • Analyze logs from SDK Manager for any specific error messages that could provide clues about what went wrong during flashing.

7. Community Resources:

   • Refer to NVIDIA forums and documentation for additional support and troubleshooting tips. Engaging with community members who have faced similar issues can yield helpful insights.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always ensure that your Jetson device has updated firmware before attempting new installations.
   • Regularly check for updates from NVIDIA regarding JetPack versions and known issues.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve their flashing issues with the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board effectively.