Error During Flashing Process of Jetson Orin Nano Using SDK Manager

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing an error while attempting to flash the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit using the SDK Manager version 2.1 on Ubuntu 20.04. The specific error message encountered is:

ERROR: Flash Jetson Linux - flash: — Error: Reading board information failed.

This issue occurs during the flashing process, specifically around 30% completion, causing the command to terminate with an error. The problem appears to be consistent, as it has been reported by multiple users. It significantly impacts the user experience by preventing the successful setup of the development environment, which is essential for running AI applications on the Jetson platform.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Configuration Issues:

   • The recovery jumper may be incorrectly positioned. Users reported that having the recovery jumper in place during flashing led to detection issues.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • The SDK Manager version might have bugs that affect its ability to communicate with the Jetson Orin Nano.

3. Driver Issues:

   • Outdated or incompatible drivers could lead to communication failures between the host machine and the Jetson board.

4. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or improper setup of the development environment could hinder successful flashing.

5. User Errors:

   • Misconfiguration by users, such as not properly entering recovery mode before flashing, can lead to these errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Jumper Configuration:

   • Ensure that the recovery jumper is removed before starting the flashing process. It should only be connected when initially detecting the board.

2. Use Recovery Mode Correctly:

   • To enter recovery mode, short pins 9 and 10 on the 12-pin header under the module while powering on the device.

3. Update SDK Manager:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of SDK Manager. If issues persist, consider reverting to a previous stable version (e.g., JetPack 5).

4. Re-flash SD Card:

   • If using an SD card image, re-flash it using a reliable method to ensure no corruption occurred during initial flashing.

5. Export Logs for Diagnosis:

   • Use the "EXPORT LOGS" feature in SDK Manager to gather logs that can help diagnose issues further.

6. Test Different USB Ports/Cables:

   • Try different USB ports or cables to rule out connectivity issues between your host PC and Jetson board.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to official NVIDIA documentation for detailed steps on using SDK Manager and troubleshooting common issues (NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide).

8. Seek Community Help:

   • Engage with community forums or NVIDIA support for additional assistance and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

Recommended Commands

• To check if your device is recognized after entering recovery mode, use:

lsusb

• For exporting logs in SDK Manager, follow these steps:
  1. Launch SDK Manager.
  2. Click on "EXPORT LOGS" in case of errors during flashing.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Always ensure that you are following the latest guidelines from NVIDIA’s official documentation.
• Keep your development environment updated with the latest versions of software and drivers.
• Regularly check community forums for updates or common troubleshooting tips shared by other developers.

By following these steps and recommendations, users should be able to effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to flashing their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit using SDK Manager.