Downgrading Jetpack Version on Jetson Orin Nano from 6.0 to 5.1.3

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to downgrade the Jetpack version on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board from version 6.0 to 5.1.3. The primary symptoms include:

• Installation Failure: Attempts to downgrade using the SDK Manager result in an "installation failed" message.
• SD Card Issues: Users report that even when using an empty SD card, the SDK Manager does not recognize the Jetson Orin Nano, preventing the selection of the device for flashing.
• Context: The issue arises during the setup process, specifically when trying to change the Jetpack version.
• Frequency: This problem appears to be consistent among users attempting similar downgrades.
• Impact: The inability to downgrade affects users’ ability to utilize specific features or fixes available in older Jetpack versions, thus hindering their development work.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: There may be compatibility issues between the Jetson Orin Nano and the Jetpack versions being used.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The SDK Manager may have bugs that prevent it from properly handling downgrades, especially if a newer version is currently installed.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or on the SD card could lead to failures during the installation process.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may interfere with the flashing process.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could disrupt the flashing procedure.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Not following proper procedures for entering recovery mode or preparing the SD card could lead to installation failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address this issue, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Enter Recovery Mode:

   • Power off the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Press and hold the recovery button while powering it on until it enters recovery mode.
   • Ensure that your host PC detects the board in recovery mode.

2. Use SDK Manager Correctly:

   • Open SDK Manager on your host PC.
   • Ensure that you have selected the correct target hardware (Jetson Orin Nano) before attempting to flash.
   • If prompted, select "Flash" rather than "Install".

3. Prepare SD Card:

   • Format the SD card using a tool like SD Card Formatter to ensure it is clean and ready for use.
   • Download the appropriate Jetpack 5.1.3 image and write it to the SD card using a tool like balenaEtcher.

4. Install Dependencies:

   • Ensure all necessary dependencies are installed on your host PC by running:

     sudo apt-get install libnvidia-container-tools
     

5. Check Logs for Errors:

   • Review terminal logs for specific error messages during installation attempts. This can provide insights into what went wrong.
   • Use commands like:

     cat /var/log/sdkmanager.log
     

6. Update SDK Manager:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of SDK Manager as updates may include bug fixes related to installation processes.

7. Alternative Flashing Method:

   • If issues persist, consider using command-line tools to flash Jetpack manually:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

8. Seek Community Support:

   • If problems remain unresolved, consider posting detailed logs and error messages on forums dedicated to Nvidia Jetson development for further assistance.

9. Best Practices for Future Downgrades:

   • Always back up important data before downgrading.
   • Test downgrades in a controlled environment before applying them in production settings.

Following these steps should help users successfully downgrade their Jetpack version on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board while minimizing potential issues during installation.