Can’t enter Boot manager GUI after flashing by HostB

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties entering the UEFI boot manager GUI on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board after flashing it using a second host machine (HostB). The problem occurs specifically when attempting to flash the board with a command that omits generating a system image.

Symptoms:

• Users can log into the Ubuntu GUI via monitor but cannot access the UEFI boot manager GUI.
• The UEFI boot manager is accessible through debug UART, indicating that the system is operational but not displaying correctly on the monitor.

Context:

• The issue arises during the flashing process from HostB after successfully flashing from HostA.
• Users have reported that using HostA allows them to access the UEFI GUI without issues.

Specifications:

• Jetpack version in use: R35.4.1
• The flashing commands used on both hosts differ, particularly with the use of the --no-systemimg parameter on HostB.

Frequency:

This issue appears to be consistent for users attempting to flash on HostB under similar conditions.

Impact:

The inability to access the UEFI boot manager GUI can hinder users from configuring their systems effectively, impacting overall user experience and functionality.

Possible Causes

• Configuration Errors: The use of the --no-systemimg parameter during flashing may prevent the proper generation of necessary system files, leading to display issues.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Differences in software versions or configurations between HostA and HostB could result in unexpected behavior during the flashing process.

• Driver Issues: Potential incompatibilities with graphics drivers or display settings may contribute to the inability to show the UEFI menu on the monitor.

• User Errors: Misunderstanding of flashing procedures or parameters could lead to incorrect commands being executed.

• Environmental Factors: Variations in hardware specifications between HostA and HostB may affect compatibility and performance during flashing.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Verify Flashing Commands:

   • Ensure that you are using the same command on HostB as you did on HostA, without omitting critical parameters.
   • Recommended command:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --flash-only --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p "-c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

2. Check for System Image Generation:

   • Avoid using --no-systemimg unless absolutely necessary. This parameter may prevent essential components from being created.
   • If previously used, try re-flashing without this parameter.

3. Test Different Flashing Methods:

   • Consider using a different version of Jetpack or reverting to an earlier version if issues persist.
   • Users have reported success by replacing uefi_jetson.bin with a newer version (from R35.5.0) and re-flashing.

4. Monitor Output:

   • Check the monitor output during boot for any error messages or indications of what might be going wrong.
   • If you see a black screen, it suggests that something is failing before reaching the UEFI GUI.

5. Debug UART Access:

   • Since you can access UEFI through debug UART, use this method to gather logs and identify where the boot process is failing.
   • Commands for logging can be run through UART to capture detailed information about what happens during startup.

6. Verify Hardware Compatibility:

   • Ensure that all hardware components are compatible with the Orin Nano Dev board specifications.
   • Test with different monitors or cables if possible to rule out display issues.

Best Practices for Future Prevention:

• Always ensure that both hosts are running compatible versions of Ubuntu and Jetpack.

• Maintain backups of working configurations and commands used during successful flashes for reference.

• Regularly check for updates or patches related to Jetpack and associated drivers that may resolve known issues.

Unresolved Aspects:

While several users have found success by updating specific binaries, further investigation may be needed into why certain parameters lead to different outcomes across different hosts. Additionally, understanding how environmental factors or hardware variations impact performance would be beneficial for future troubleshooting efforts.