Downgrade/Roll Back Jetpack JP6.0 to JP5.1.3 on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to downgrade the Jetpack version from JP6.0 to JP5.1.3 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board. The main symptoms include uncertainty about the rollback process and potential complications that may arise during the re-flashing of the board’s software.

This issue typically occurs during the setup phase after a user has upgraded to Jetpack JP6.0 and wishes to revert to an earlier version due to compatibility issues with specific applications or personal preference for features available in JP5.1.3.

The hardware in question is the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, and the relevant software specifications pertain to the Jetpack versions involved. The frequency of this issue appears to be moderate, as it is not uncommon for users to seek downgrades after encountering problems with newer software versions.

The impact of this problem can significantly hinder user experience, especially for developers who rely on specific functionalities that may have changed or been removed in newer versions of Jetpack.

Possible Causes

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Upgrading to a new version may introduce bugs or conflicts with existing applications, prompting users to revert to a previous version.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during the upgrade process could lead to instability, making a rollback necessary.

• Driver Issues: Newer drivers associated with JP6.0 might not be compatible with certain applications that function better with drivers from JP5.1.3.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings during or after the upgrade, leading them to seek a rollback.

Each of these causes can contribute to instability or incompatibility issues that necessitate reverting to an earlier version of Jetpack.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Download SDK Manager:

   • Visit the NVIDIA Developer website and download the SDK Manager.
   • Link: [SDK Manager | NVIDIA Developer]

2. Follow User Guide Steps:

   • Refer to the NVIDIA SDK Manager Documentation for detailed instructions on how to re-flash the Board Support Package (BSP) on your Orin Nano.
   • Documentation Link: [NVIDIA SDK Manager Documentation — SDK Manager 2.1.0 documentation]

3. Prepare for Re-Flash:

   • Ensure that you have backed up any important data or configurations from your current installation.
   • Verify that your host machine meets all requirements for running the SDK Manager.

4. Connect Your Device:

   • Connect the Jetson Orin Nano to your host PC via USB.
   • Power on the device and ensure it is recognized by your host system.

5. Re-Flash Process:

   • Launch SDK Manager and select your target device (Jetson Orin Nano).
   • Choose Jetpack JP5.1.3 from the available options.
   • Follow the prompts in SDK Manager to initiate the re-flashing process.

6. Verify Installation:

   • After flashing, check if all components are functioning as expected.
   • Run any critical applications that were problematic under JP6.0 to confirm resolution of issues.

7. Best Practices for Future Updates:

   • Before upgrading in the future, review release notes for known issues and compatibility notes specific to your applications.
   • Consider creating a system image before major updates, allowing for easier recovery if issues arise.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Users should be aware that while downgrading may resolve specific issues, there could be lingering effects or new incompatibilities introduced by reverting software versions.
   • Further investigation may be needed if problems persist post-downgrade, particularly regarding driver compatibility and application performance.

By following these steps, users can effectively manage their Jetpack versions and mitigate potential issues related to software upgrades on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development boards.