Can’t flash Orin NANO, flash: Depends on failed component

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties while attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The primary symptom is an error message indicating that the flash process is dependent on a failed component. This issue typically occurs during the setup phase when users try to flash the operating system onto the device using the SDK Manager. Users have reported various hardware and software configurations, including different operating systems (Windows and Linux) and SD card brands. The problem appears to be consistent, with multiple users encountering similar issues. The impact of this problem significantly hampers the ability to utilize the Jetson Orin Nano for development projects, as it prevents successful booting and setup.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Faulty connections or defective components can prevent proper flashing.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues with the SDK Manager or JetPack versions may lead to errors during the flashing process.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or improper board configurations can cause failures.
• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers on the host machine may hinder communication with the Jetson board.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating could affect performance during flashing.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly placing the board in recovery mode or mismanaging firewall settings can lead to problems.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Recovery Mode:

   • Ensure that the Jetson Orin Nano is in recovery mode. This can be done by shorting pins 9 and 10 on the board’s button header while powering it on.

2. Disable Firewall:

   • Temporarily disable any firewalls before starting the flashing process:

     sudo ufw disable
     

   • After flashing, re-enable the firewall:

     sudo ufw enable
     

3. Check for Broken Packages:

   • Run the following commands on your host machine to fix any broken packages:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt --fix-broken install
     

4. Use Correct JetPack Version:

   • It is recommended to use JetPack 5 instead of JetPack 6 for initial setups, as JetPack 6 is still in developer preview and may contain unresolved issues.

5. Re-flash Using SDK Manager:

   • Restart SDK Manager after disabling the firewall and attempt to flash again.
   • If errors persist, export logs from SDK Manager for further analysis.

6. Check CUDA Dependencies:

   • Ensure that CUDA is properly installed on your host machine, as some dependencies may require it even if not directly used. Verify installed packages using:

     dpkg -l | grep cuda
     

7. Test Different Hardware Configurations:

   • If possible, test with different SD cards or USB cables to rule out hardware issues.

8. Use Serial Console for Debugging:

   • Connect a USB-to-TTL serial cable to capture logs during boot and flashing processes. This can provide insights into what might be failing.

9. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to official Nvidia documentation for detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting tips.
   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users facing similar issues.

10. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

    • Regularly update both SDK Manager and JetPack versions.
    • Maintain backups of SD card images after successful setups to facilitate quick recovery in case of future issues.

11. Unresolved Aspects:

    • Some users have reported persistent issues even after following all recommended steps, indicating potential deeper hardware defects or unaddressed software bugs that may require Nvidia support intervention.

By following these troubleshooting steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve their issues with flashing the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit effectively.