Can not get CSI camera to work with Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties getting a CSI camera to function with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano board, particularly resulting in the error message "No cameras available" when executing the command python3 simple_camera.py from the CSI-Camera repository. This issue occurs after configuring the CSI camera pins using guidance from ArduCam and is reported to happen consistently during setup. The affected hardware includes the Jetson Orin Nano board running JetPack 6.1, and the camera models mentioned include IMX477-C, IMX477-A, and IMX477-Dual. The problem significantly impacts user experience by preventing camera functionality, which is critical for various applications.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The camera cable may be improperly connected, such as being flipped over, which can prevent the camera from being recognized.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues may arise due to bugs in JetPack 6.1 or conflicts with other installed packages.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect pin settings during configuration can lead to device recognition failures.
• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers can result in the camera not being detected by the system.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect device performance.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect installation of the camera or improper use of commands may lead to failure in detecting the camera.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Camera Connection:

   • Ensure that the camera ribbon cable is correctly oriented. Disconnect and reconnect it, flipping it over if necessary.

2. Gather Kernel Messages:

   • Run the command to check device registration status:

     dmesg > klogs.txt
     

   • Analyze klogs.txt for any error messages related to camera initialization.

3. Verify Software Installation:

   • Ensure that all necessary packages are installed:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install -y v4l-utils
     

   • List connected video devices:

     v4l2-ctl --list-devices
     

4. Configure Camera Settings:

   • Use jetson-io.py to configure pins for the IMX219 camera:

     sudo /opt/nvidia/jetson-io/jetson-io.py
     

   • Follow prompts to enable IMX219 support, then reboot the board.

5. Test Camera Functionality:

   • After configuration, test the camera using GStreamer:

     gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! 'video/x-raw(memory:NVMM), width=(int)1920, height=(int)1080, format=(string)NV12, framerate=(fraction)30/1' ! nvvidconv ! nvegltransform ! nveglglessink -e
     

6. Check for Driver Updates:

   • Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your Jetson board and camera module.

7. Use Alternative Commands for Testing:

   • Try capturing images using nvgstcapture:

     nvgstcapture-1.0
     

   • Press ‘j’ to capture an image and ‘q’ to exit.

8. Review Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Refer to relevant documentation on setting up CSI cameras with Jetson boards.
   • Check community forums for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.

9. Unresolved Aspects:

   • If issues persist, consider seeking further assistance from Nvidia’s support channels or community forums, as there may be specific bugs related to JetPack 6.1 that require attention.

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