Error: Invalid argument during seek for read on /dev/mmcblk1 while flashing Jetson Orin Nano with JetPack 5.14

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing an error when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano with JetPack 5.14 through the SDK Manager. The flashing process typically reaches approximately 50% completion before reverting to the device selection screen, indicating that the SDK Manager failed to recognize the Jetson device.

Specific Symptoms

• Error message: "Invalid argument during seek for read on /dev/mmcblk1"
• Flashing process halts at around 50% completion.
• Device selection screen reappears, suggesting unsuccessful flashing.

Context of the Problem

• Occurs during the flashing process using the SDK Manager.
• Users have tried various SD cards and USB cables, indicating a persistent problem across multiple attempts.

Hardware and Software Specifications

• Jetson Orin Nano
• JetPack version: 5.14
• SD card size: 32GB (as reported by users)

Frequency and Impact

• The issue appears to be consistent among users attempting similar operations.
• It significantly impacts user experience by preventing successful installation of necessary software for development.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects:

  • If the SD card or USB cable is faulty or incompatible, it may lead to read/write errors during the flashing process.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts:

  • Bugs in the SDK Manager or JetPack version could cause unexpected behavior during installation.

• Configuration Errors:

  • Incorrect setup of the SDK Manager or improper selection of target devices may lead to failures.

• Driver Issues:

  • Outdated or incompatible drivers can hinder communication between the host PC and the Jetson device.

• Environmental Factors:

  • Power supply instability or temperature extremes could affect hardware performance during flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations:

  • Improperly formatted SD cards or incorrect settings in the SDK Manager may result in unsuccessful flashing attempts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check SD Card Health:

   • Ensure that the SD card is functioning properly. Consider using a different SD card with a larger capacity (e.g., 64GB) as some users have reported better results with larger cards.

2. Verify USB Cable and Port:

   • Use a high-quality USB cable and try different USB ports on your computer to eliminate potential connectivity issues.

3. Reformat the SD Card:

   • Format the SD card using a reliable tool (e.g., SD Formatter) before attempting to flash again. Make sure to use FAT32 format.

4. Update SDK Manager:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of the SDK Manager. Check for updates and install any available patches.

5. Run SDK Manager as Administrator:

   • On Windows, run the SDK Manager with administrative privileges to avoid permission-related issues.

6. Check Logs for Errors:

   • Review the SDK manager logs for any specific error messages that could provide more insight into what went wrong during flashing.

7. Isolate Environment Variables:

   • If possible, try flashing on a different computer to determine if environmental factors are affecting the process.

8. Test with Different JetPack Versions:

   • If feasible, attempt to flash an earlier version of JetPack (e.g., 5.1) to see if the problem persists.

9. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any specific prerequisites or known issues related to your setup.

Recommended Fixes

• Many users have found success by switching to a larger-capacity SD card (64GB) and ensuring that it is properly formatted before flashing.

Additional Resources

• Links to relevant documentation, driver updates, and firmware upgrades can often be found on Nvidia’s official website under support sections for Jetson products.

Best Practices

• Regularly check for updates on both hardware and software components.
• Keep backups of important configurations and data before performing operations like flashing.

Unresolved Aspects

Further investigation may be needed into specific hardware compatibility issues or potential bugs within JetPack 5.14 that could be contributing to this problem.