Cannot flash jetson orin nano with any method

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing significant difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The main symptoms include:

• Flashing Failures: Users report failures regardless of the method used (SDK Manager, Etcher, command line).
• Error Messages: Common errors include "value 0x31 is out of range," "failed to read rcm_state," and various tar write checkpoint errors during the flash process.
• Recovery Mode Issues: Users have noted that the device is recognized in recovery mode (indicated by lsusb showing the NVIDIA APX device), but flashing still fails.
• Inconsistent Recognition: There are reports of the SDK Manager not detecting the board even when it is in recovery mode.
• Environmental Context: Issues arise on a native Ubuntu 22.04 host, and users have tried both SD card and NVMe storage options.

The impact of these issues severely hampers user experience, preventing successful setup and utilization of the development kit.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for these issues have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Custom carrier boards or improper jumper configurations may lead to detection and flashing problems.
• Software Bugs: The use of JetPack 6, which is still in developer preview, may introduce instability and bugs.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during flashing or recovery mode setup could prevent successful operations.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers on the host machine may interfere with communication between the host and the Jetson device.
• Environmental Factors: USB autosuspend features on Ubuntu 20.04 can cause timeout issues during flashing.
• User Errors: Misconfigurations such as incorrect jumper settings or failure to follow specific flashing procedures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address these issues, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Setup:

   • Ensure that the correct jumper settings are applied for recovery mode. For instance, shorting pins 9 and 10 may be necessary for some setups.

2. Disable USB Autosuspend:

   • On Ubuntu 20.04, disable USB autosuspend by executing:

     sudo -s
     echo -1 > /sys/module/usbcore/parameters/autosuspend
     

   • Reconnect the Jetson device after disabling autosuspend.

3. Use Correct Flashing Method:

   • It is recommended to use the SDK Manager for flashing, as it provides a guided interface. Ensure that you select the appropriate target (e.g., NVMe) during setup.

4. Check Required Packages:

   • Ensure that necessary packages like nfs-common and nfs-kernel-server are installed on your host PC to avoid NFS-related issues during flashing.

5. Update Drivers and SDK Manager:

   • Make sure that you are using the latest version of SDK Manager and that your system drivers are up to date.

6. Test Different USB Cables/Ports:

   • If problems persist, try different USB cables or ports to rule out hardware connectivity issues.

7. Review Flash Logs:

   • After a failed flash attempt, export logs from SDK Manager by clicking “EXPORT LOGS” for further analysis.

8. Alternative Flashing Commands:

   • If using command line methods, consider using specific commands tailored for your setup. For example:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-qspi mmcblk1p1
     

9. Disable NFSv4 (if applicable):

   • If you encounter NFS-related issues during flashing, disable NFSv4 as suggested in forum discussions.

10. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

    • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for additional guidance and check community forums for similar experiences and solutions.

11. Unresolved Issues:

    • Users have reported ongoing problems with USB detection and flashing failures despite following recommended steps, indicating that further investigation into specific hardware setups or software versions may be necessary.

By following these steps, users can systematically troubleshoot their issues with flashing the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit and improve their chances of a successful setup.