Jetson Orin Nano Boot Error – Encountering UEFI Interactive Shell Instead

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a boot issue with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit after flashing a new 64GB SD card with the latest version of JetPack. Upon attempting to boot, they encounter a screen displaying the message "WARNING: Test key is used," along with options to enter setup, boot manager, or continue. However, pressing enter leads to no action, and after a timeout, the system defaults to an interactive UEFI shell. This issue occurs consistently during the initial boot process after flashing the SD card and significantly hinders the user experience by preventing access to the operating system. Users have reported similar experiences across different setups, including both SD card and NVMe configurations.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The SD card may not be compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano or could be defective.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Using JetPack 6.x, which is still in developer preview, may introduce instability.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the UEFI boot options could prevent proper booting.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers may lead to boot failures.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect performance during boot.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper flashing of the SD card or not following setup instructions correctly can lead to these issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify SD Card Detection:

   • During UEFI boot, press ESC to enter setup and check if the SD card is listed in the Boot Maintenance Manager.
   • If not detected, try using a different SD card or re-flash the current one.

2. Re-flash SD Card:

   • Use a reliable method to flash the SD card with JetPack 5.x instead of JetPack 6.x for stability.
   • Follow instructions from the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide for proper flashing procedures.

3. Change Boot Order:

   • Access Boot Maintenance Manager by pressing ESC during startup.
   • Navigate to Boot Options → Change Boot Order and ensure the SD card is set as the primary boot device.

4. Enter Recovery Mode:

   • To allow SDK Manager to detect the board for flashing, connect pins 9 and 10 on the Button Header while powering on the device.
   • Use this mode for re-flashing with SDK Manager if necessary.

5. Check Power Supply:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano) and that it is functioning properly. Verify polarity connections.

6. Update Firmware:

   • If issues persist, check if your Jetson Orin Nano has the latest firmware installed. Upgrade if necessary following steps outlined in the user guide.

7. Use SDK Manager for Flashing:

   • If you have access to a host PC running Ubuntu 20.04, use SDK Manager to flash JetPack components directly onto your device.

8. Consult Community Resources:

   • Engage with forums and community discussions for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

9. Document Any Errors:

   • If problems continue, document any error messages or behaviors during troubleshooting and consider reaching out for support with specific logs exported from SDK Manager.

By following these steps systematically, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve their boot issues with the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.