Could not flash my brand new Jetson Orin Nano 8G Devkit

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties flashing the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 8G Developer Kit. Common symptoms include errors during the flashing process, such as timeouts in USB write operations and failure to parse board information. The issue typically arises during the setup phase when attempting to flash the device using various methods, including SD card images and the SDK Manager with JetPack versions 5.1 and 6.0. Users have reported inconsistent results across different host operating systems (Ubuntu 20 and 22) and JetPack versions, with many failing at the flashing tasks entirely. The impact of this issue severely hampers the ability to utilize the device for development purposes, as it prevents successful installation of the necessary operating system.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the USB connection or faulty hardware components can lead to communication failures during flashing.
2. Software Bugs or Conflicts: Using outdated or incompatible versions of JetPack or SDK Manager may cause errors during the flashing process.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrectly setting up recovery mode or misconfiguring connections can hinder successful flashing.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or missing drivers on the host machine might prevent proper communication with the Jetson device.
5. Environmental Factors: Insufficient power supply or overheating due to inadequate cooling can lead to operational failures.
6. User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly following flashing procedures or using improper connections can result in errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Connections:

   • Ensure that the USB-C cable is properly connected between the host and the Jetson device.
   • Confirm that pins 9 and 10 are correctly shorted to enter recovery mode before powering on.

2. Check for Device Recognition:

   • Run the command lsusb on your host machine to verify if the device is recognized:

     lsusb -d '0955:'
     

3. Update Software:

   • Download and install the latest version of SDK Manager (e.g., sdkmanager_2.0.0-11405-amd64.deb) to ensure compatibility with JetPack versions.
   • If using JetPack 6, consider downgrading to JetPack 5.1 as it is more stable for initial setups.

4. Adjust USB Settings:

   • Disable USB autosuspend by running:

     sudo sh -c 'echo -1 > /sys/module/usbcore/parameters/autosuspend'
     

5. Reattempt Flashing:

   • After ensuring all connections and settings are correct, reattempt flashing using SDK Manager.
   • Use this command for direct flashing if SDK Manager fails:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

6. Force Recovery Mode:

   • If issues persist, re-enter recovery mode by connecting pins 9 and 10, powering on the device, then disconnecting those pins after a few seconds.

7. Check Logs for Errors:

   • If flashing fails again, review logs for specific error messages that can guide further troubleshooting.
   • Use the "EXPORT LOGS" feature in SDK Manager to capture detailed logs for analysis.

8. Best Practices:

   • Always ensure that you are using a reliable power source and that your host machine meets all necessary requirements.
   • Regularly check for firmware updates for both your Jetson device and host machine.

9. Documentation & Resources:

   • Refer to official Nvidia documentation for detailed instructions on flashing procedures and troubleshooting techniques.

10. Unresolved Issues:

    • Some users have reported ongoing issues with specific error messages (e.g., "Unrecognized module SKU") that may require further investigation from Nvidia support.

By following these structured troubleshooting steps, users should be able to diagnose and resolve issues related to flashing their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit effectively.