Error when flashing new Orin Nano Dev Kit from Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS on SD card

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties while attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit (8GB) using the SDK Manager on an Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS system. The primary symptom is a USB timeout error during the flashing process, which occurs even though the SDK Manager successfully identifies the device.

The issue manifests when users try to flash the board for the first time, specifically when putting the device into recovery mode. The terminal log indicates an error at the point of sending board configuration data, with messages such as "ERROR: might be timeout in USB write" and "Error: Reading board information failed."

This problem appears to be recurrent among users attempting similar operations, significantly impacting their ability to set up and utilize the development kit effectively.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the USB connection or cables may lead to communication failures between the host computer and the Jetson board.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The SDK Manager or underlying software could have bugs that cause unexpected behavior during the flashing process.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in either the SDK Manager or system settings may lead to failures during flashing.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible USB drivers on the host machine can result in timeouts and errors during data transfer.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating could affect performance and stability during flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Mistakes in following the flashing procedure or not properly entering recovery mode can lead to errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Reboot and Retry:

   • Power cycle the Jetson Orin Nano by turning it off and then back on.
   • Enter forced recovery mode after powering on and attempt to flash again.

2. Check USB Connections:

   • Ensure that all USB cables are securely connected.
   • Try using different USB ports on your host machine to rule out port issues.
   • Consider using a high-quality USB cable, as poor quality can lead to data transfer problems.

3. Manual Flashing Method:

   • If issues persist, consider using a manual method for flashing.
   • Refer to Nvidia’s official guide for manual flashing: Nvidia Developer Guide.

4. Update Drivers:

   • Ensure that all relevant drivers (especially USB drivers) are up-to-date on your host machine.
   • Check for any available updates for the SDK Manager itself.

5. Use Alternative Systems:

   • If possible, try using a different computer with Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS or another compatible OS to eliminate issues related to your current setup.

6. Log Analysis:

   • Review logs generated during the flashing process for additional error details.
   • Look for patterns or specific errors that may indicate underlying issues.

7. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums or Nvidia’s support channels for additional insights and shared experiences from other users who faced similar issues.

8. Best Practices:

   • Always ensure that your Jetson board is adequately powered during flashing.
   • Follow all instructions carefully as outlined in Nvidia’s documentation to avoid misconfigurations.

By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and potentially resolve issues encountered while flashing their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.