Cannot write image to Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to write an image to the SD card of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano. The issue manifests during the flashing process via both the SDK Manager and command line, resulting in multiple error messages. Specific symptoms include:

• Error Messages: Users report errors such as:

  • /misc/tsc_controls/tsc_locking_ref_frequency_configuration is not supported
  • might be timeout in USB write
  • command terminated with error

• Context of Occurrence: The problem occurs during the setup phase, specifically when trying to flash the OS onto the device.

• Hardware/Software Specifications: The issue has been noted on various setups, including different versions of Ubuntu (18.04 and 20.04) and using SDK Manager.

• Frequency of Issue: This problem appears to be common among users attempting to flash the Jetson Orin Nano, indicating a potential systemic issue.

• Impact on User Experience: The inability to successfully flash the device hinders users from utilizing their Jetson Orin Nano boards, significantly affecting project timelines and functionality.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects:

   • Issues with USB ports or cables can lead to connection failures during flashing.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • Compatibility issues between different versions of SDK Manager and the OS could result in errors.

3. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or failure to put the device in recovery mode may prevent successful flashing.

4. Driver Issues:

   • Outdated or incompatible drivers could cause communication problems between the host PC and the Jetson device.

5. Environmental Factors:

   • USB power management settings (e.g., autosuspend) may interfere with device recognition.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations:

   • Incorrectly following setup instructions can lead to errors during flashing.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnosing the Problem:

   • Ensure that the Jetson Orin Nano is in recovery mode before attempting to flash.
   • Use the command lsusb to check if the device is recognized by your host PC.

2. Gathering System Information:

   • Export logs from SDK Manager by clicking on “EXPORT LOGS” after an error occurs.

3. Isolating the Issue:

   • Try using a different USB cable or port.
   • Test on a different host machine running Ubuntu 18.04, as it has been reported to work more reliably than newer versions.

4. Potential Fixes:

   • Run the following command on your host PC to disable USB autosuspend:

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

   • If using WSL, ensure proper USB attachment settings are configured.
   • Consider switching from a virtual machine back to a native Ubuntu installation if issues persist.

5. Updating Drivers and Software:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of SDK Manager and that all relevant drivers are up-to-date.

6. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always verify that your setup meets all specifications outlined in Nvidia’s documentation before starting.
   • Regularly check for updates regarding SDK Manager and Jetpack versions that might resolve existing bugs.

7. Recommended Approach:

   • Many users found success by reverting to Ubuntu 18.04 as their host OS for flashing operations, especially when using Docker containers or virtual machines that exhibited issues on newer versions.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • There remains a lack of universal solutions for all users experiencing this issue, indicating that further investigation may be necessary into specific configurations and setups.

By following these steps, users should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve their issues with flashing images onto their Jetson Orin Nano devices effectively.