Jetson Orin Nano Installation with SDKManager Doesn’t Work | Stops at 37%

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing installation failures when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board using the SDKManager. The installation process halts at approximately 37%, resulting in an error.

Specific Symptoms

• The installation process stops at 37% and displays an error message.
• The device appears operational, with the fan functioning normally.

Context

• The issue arises during the setup phase, specifically when using SDKManager to install the software.
• Users reported utilizing Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS on a dual-booted laptop for the installation.

Hardware and Software Specifications

• Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano (8GB version).
• NVMe SSD installed on the Jetson board.

Frequency of the Issue

This problem seems to be consistent among users attempting to use SDKManager for installation.

Impact on User Experience

The failure to complete the installation significantly hampers users’ ability to utilize the Jetson Orin Nano, limiting their development capabilities and access to software features.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the NVMe SSD or other components may prevent successful flashing.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: A known bug in JetPack 6 DP has been identified, which could cause installation failures at this stage.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect setup or configuration during the flashing process may lead to installation issues.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could interfere with SDKManager’s functionality.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or temperature extremes might affect device performance during installation.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Not connecting necessary peripherals, such as USB devices, can lead to incomplete installations.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Peripheral Connections:

   • Ensure that at least one USB device (e.g., mouse or keyboard) is connected to the Jetson board before starting the installation. This has been shown to resolve the issue for some users.

2. Use Serial Debug Console:

   • Implement a serial debug console for better diagnostics. This can provide insights into what might be going wrong during the installation process.

3. Force Recovery Mode:

   • If not already done, try putting the device into force recovery mode again. This may reset any temporary issues preventing a successful flash.

4. Review Logs:

   • Analyze the logs exported during the failed installation attempt for specific error messages that could indicate what went wrong.

5. Update SDKManager and JetPack:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of SDKManager and JetPack. Updates often include bug fixes that may resolve your issue.

6. Test Different Configurations:

   • If using a custom board, switch between selecting "devkit" and "custom board" in SDKManager to see if it affects the outcome.

7. Check Power Supply:

   • Verify that your power supply is adequate and functioning correctly. Insufficient power can lead to unexpected behavior during installations.

8. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips related to SDKManager and JetPack installations.

9. Community Feedback:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights or alternative solutions that may have worked for other users facing similar issues.

Recommended Approach

Connecting a USB mouse or keyboard before initiating the flashing process has been reported as a successful solution by multiple users, making it a highly recommended step in troubleshooting this issue.

Unresolved Aspects

While some users have found success with specific workarounds, further investigation into persistent bugs in JetPack 6 DP is necessary as a permanent fix is expected in future updates (JetPack 6 GA).