Orin Nano Developer Kit Not Booting Past BIOS

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit are experiencing a problem where the device fails to boot past the BIOS screen, resulting in a black screen. This issue arises after following setup instructions that involve flashing various sizes of SD cards (32 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB) using Balena Etcher. The symptoms include:

• Successful display of the BIOS screen upon powering on.
• Transition to a black screen with no further output.
• Consistent occurrence across multiple attempts and different SD cards.

The issue has been reported by multiple users, indicating a potential commonality in the setup or flashing process. Users have also noted that they are unsure if the problem is related to hardware configuration, software bugs, or flashing methods.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this booting issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The SD card used might not be compatible or could be defective.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Using an unstable version of JetPack (like JetPack 6) may lead to boot failures.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings during the flashing process or improper connections could prevent successful booting.
• Driver Issues: Missing or incompatible drivers could hinder the boot process.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues, such as insufficient voltage or current, may affect device performance.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly following setup instructions or failing to enter recovery mode when necessary can lead to these issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the booting issue with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that all connections are secure and that you are using a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano).
   • Check that the SD card is properly inserted into the device.

2. Check SD Card Integrity:

   • Re-flash the SD card using a reliable method. It is recommended to use SDK Manager instead of Balena Etcher for better compatibility.
   • Confirm that the SD card image is correctly downloaded from the official JetPack SDK page.

3. Use SDK Manager for Flashing:

   • Connect the Jetson Orin Nano to a host PC via USB Type-C.
   • Put the device into recovery mode by shorting pins 9 and 10 on the 12-pin header while powering on.
   • Launch SDK Manager and select appropriate options for flashing:
     • Choose "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit" as target hardware.
     • Select "Jetson OS" for installation.

4. Check for Boot Logs:

   • If available, connect to UART and capture logs during boot attempts. This can provide insights into where the process fails.

5. Testing Different JetPack Versions:

   • If using JetPack 6, consider downgrading to JetPack 5.1.2 as it is more stable for initial setups.
   • Follow instructions from NVIDIA documentation for proper installation steps.

6. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Refer to the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide for detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting tips.
   • Engage with community forums for additional support and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always use recommended SD cards (32GB UHS-1 minimum).
   • Keep firmware updated to avoid compatibility issues with newer software versions.
   • Regularly check NVIDIA’s documentation for updates regarding known issues and resolutions.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, further investigation may be needed, including examining hardware components or seeking direct support from NVIDIA’s technical team.