Can’t flash my drive on Orin Nano – Advantech

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash an SSD on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. The specific symptoms include errors during the flashing process, particularly after an unsuccessful attempt to encrypt the drive. The issue arises when executing the command:

sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p "-c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" --showlogs --network usb0 p3509-a02+p3767-0000 internal

The logs indicate that the process freezes midway through the encryption step, leading to a failure in flashing the drive. The problem has been reported consistently by multiple users, suggesting that it is not an isolated incident. The impact of this issue significantly hinders user experience, as it prevents them from utilizing the device effectively.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the SSD or other components are not fully compatible with the Orin Nano, it could lead to flashing failures.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the flashing script or conflicts with other installed software that disrupt the process.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect parameters or configurations in the flashing command can lead to errors.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for the SSD may prevent successful flashing.

• Environmental Factors: Issues such as power supply instability or overheating could interrupt the flashing process.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Mistakes in command syntax or improper setup could be causing the failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Compatibility:

   • Ensure that the SSD and any other connected devices are compatible with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano.

2. Check Command Syntax:

   • Double-check the command being used for any syntax errors. Ensure all paths and parameters are correct.

3. Review Log Files:

   • Analyze log files for specific error messages that can provide insight into what went wrong during the flashing process.

4. Update Drivers and Software:

   • Ensure that all necessary drivers and software packages are up to date. Check for updates related to Nvidia Jetson tools.

5. Test with Different Configurations:

   • If possible, try using a different SSD or USB port to isolate whether the issue is hardware-related.

6. Run Flashing Command without Encryption:

   • Attempt to flash without encryption first to see if this resolves the issue. Use a simplified command:

   sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml --showlogs --network usb0 p3509-a02+p3767-0000 internal
   

7. Check Power Supply:

   • Ensure that the power supply is stable and meets the requirements for both the board and connected devices.

8. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting steps specific to flashing issues on Jetson devices.

9. Engage with Community Support:

   • If issues persist, consider reaching out on forums or community discussions for additional support and insights from other users who may have faced similar challenges.

10. Document Unresolved Issues:

    • Note any unresolved aspects of your issue and consider posting them in relevant forums for further assistance.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve their issues with flashing drives on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.