Upgrade Jetpack 5.1.3 to 6.0.0 on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing challenges upgrading the Jetpack version from 5.1.3 (R35.5.0) to 6.0.0 (R36.3.0) on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices, particularly those using custom boards with NVMe drives. The main symptoms include:

• Difficulty in performing the upgrade over a limited network connection, raising questions about the feasibility of an Over-the-Air (OTA) update.
• Confusion regarding the use of standard and custom Board Support Packages (BSP) in the upgrade process.
• Issues with cloning scripts when using only NVMe drives, which may complicate the upgrade procedure.

The problem typically arises during attempts to update the software remotely rather than through physical access to the devices, such as using an SD card.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to the difficulties users are facing during the upgrade process:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Custom boards may not support standard upgrade procedures designed for development kits, leading to complications.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The transition between major versions of Jetpack may introduce bugs or incompatibilities that affect the upgrade process.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in either the current setup or during the upgrade process can hinder successful updates.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent proper functionality after the upgrade.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Lack of familiarity with OTA updates and BSP packages can lead to mistakes during the upgrade process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issues encountered while upgrading Jetpack, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps and solutions:

1. Verify Current Setup:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible custom board with NVMe drives.
   • Check if your device is currently running Jetpack 5.1.3.

2. Check Network Connectivity:

   • Confirm that your network connection is stable and sufficient for an OTA update.

3. Request Custom BSP Package:

   • Contact your vendor (e.g., Seeed Studio) to request the custom BSP package for Jetpack 6.0GA (R36.3.0).

4. Generate OTA Payload:

   • Follow the guidelines in "Updating Jetson Linux with Image-Based Over-the-Air Update" to create an OTA payload using the custom BSP package.

5. Perform Image-Based OTA Update:

   • Use the generated OTA payload to initiate the update process on your device.
   • Follow any specific instructions provided for your custom board configuration.

6. Use Terminal Commands for Diagnostics:

   • Gather relevant system information by running:

     uname -r
     dpkg --get-selections | grep nvidia
     

   • This will help identify any driver issues or missing packages.

7. Testing Alternative Configurations:

   • If problems persist, consider testing with a different hardware setup or reverting to a previous stable version of Jetpack before attempting another upgrade.

8. Best Practices for Future Upgrades:

   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia and your vendor regarding BSP packages and compatibility notes.
   • Maintain backups of your current system state before performing major upgrades.

9. Documentation and Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for detailed steps on OTA updates and BSP package management.
   • Keep an eye on community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users.

By following these steps, users should be able to successfully navigate the challenges associated with upgrading their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev boards from Jetpack 5.1.3 to 6.0.0, even under limited network conditions or with custom hardware configurations.