Can’t connect my Orin Nano to another device via Bluetooth

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties connecting the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board (running JetPack 6.0) to other devices, specifically a laptop running Ubuntu 22.04, via Bluetooth. The error message encountered is:

Failed to connect: org.bluez.Error.NotAvailable br-connection-profile-unavailable

Symptoms

• Failed connection attempts with the error message indicating that the Bluetooth connection profile is unavailable.
• Logs from both the Jetson and laptop show intermittent connection statuses, with devices appearing connected briefly before disconnecting.

Context

The issue arises during the Bluetooth pairing process, where users attempt to make both devices discoverable and pairable using the bluetoothctl command-line tool. The connection attempts are made using the MAC address of the Jetson device.

Hardware and Software Specifications

• Jetson Device: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board
• Operating System: JetPack 6.0
• Laptop: Running Ubuntu 22.04
• Bluetooth Stack: BlueZ (version not specified but users attempted installation of version 5.1.3)

Frequency and Impact

The issue appears to be consistent across multiple users, with some reporting similar errors even after attempting various troubleshooting steps. This impacts user experience significantly, as it prevents functionality that relies on Bluetooth connectivity.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: There may be compatibility issues between the Orin Nano’s Bluetooth hardware and the laptop’s Bluetooth stack.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The version of BlueZ or JetPack may contain bugs that affect Bluetooth connectivity.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in /etc/bluetooth/main.conf or within bluetoothctl could lead to connection failures.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or improperly configured drivers could prevent successful Bluetooth connections.

• Environmental Factors: Interference from other wireless devices or inadequate power supply could disrupt Bluetooth operations.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect commands or settings during the pairing process may lead to connection failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check Bluetooth Service Status

   • Run the following command on the Jetson:

     systemctl status bluetooth.service
     

   • Ensure it shows as "active (running)."

2. Update BlueZ

   • If not already done, update to the latest stable version of BlueZ:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install bluez
     

3. Modify Configuration

   • Edit /etc/bluetooth/main.conf:

     sudo nano /etc/bluetooth/main.conf
     

   • Set ControllerMode to bredr and adjust Class settings as needed.
   • Restart the Bluetooth service:

     sudo systemctl restart bluetooth.service
     

4. Use bluetoothctl for Pairing

   • On both devices, enter:

     sudo bluetoothctl
     

   • Execute the following commands:

     discoverable on
     pairable on
     agent on
     default-agent
     scan on
     connect JETSON_ADDRESS  # Replace with actual MAC address
     

5. Check Logs for Errors

   • Use journalctl to check for any relevant error messages during connection attempts:

     journalctl | grep bluetooth
     

6. Test with Different Devices

   • Attempt connecting a different Bluetooth device (e.g., a headset) to isolate whether the issue is specific to the laptop.

7. Reinstall Bluetooth Packages

   • If issues persist, reinstall necessary packages:

     sudo apt remove --purge bluez bluez-tools libspa-0.2-bluetooth
     sudo apt install bluez bluez-tools libspa-0.2-bluetooth
     

Recommended Approaches

• Users have reported success when flashing JetPack 5.1.3; consider reverting if problems persist with newer versions.

• Testing with a Bluetooth headset has been suggested as a valid use case; ensure that all commands (connect, trust, pair) are executed correctly.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Regularly update both software and firmware for all connected devices.

• Ensure proper configuration of Bluetooth settings prior to attempting connections.

Unresolved Aspects

Some users have noted that they can connect using other devices but face issues specifically with their laptops, indicating potential application-level problems rather than hardware issues. Further investigation into application compatibility may be required if issues persist after following these steps.