Failed to Flash Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit with Jetpack 6.0 DP

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash Jetpack 6.0 Developer Preview (DP) onto the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB Developer Kit. The primary symptom is an error message stating "Could not detect correct NVIDIA Jetson device connected to USB" during the flashing process. This issue occurs during the initial setup and configuration of the device with the new operating system. The problem persists even when users attempt to put the device in force recovery mode by connecting the GND and FC REC pins. Additionally, some users report that the flashing process fails with a timeout error, particularly when using a virtual machine for the installation.

Possible Causes

1. Incompatible Jetpack Version: The use of Jetpack 6.0 DP (R36.2), which is a Developer Preview release, may be causing stability issues and compatibility problems.

2. Virtual Machine Usage: Attempting to flash the board using a virtual machine can lead to unstable USB connections and recognition issues, especially during the required reboots in the flashing process.

3. USB Connection Problems: Intermittent USB connectivity issues may be causing the host system to lose connection with the Jetson device during critical stages of the flashing process.

4. Incorrect Flashing Procedure: Users might be following outdated or incorrect flashing procedures, leading to failures in the process.

5. Hardware Issues: There could be potential hardware problems with the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit or the SD card being used.

6. Software Bugs: The Developer Preview version of Jetpack 6.0 may contain bugs that interfere with the flashing process.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Use the Latest Stable Release:

   • Upgrade to Jetpack 6.0 GA (R36.3.0) or newer versions like R36.4, which have fixed known flashing issues present in R36.2.
   • Download the latest BSP package from the NVIDIA developer website.

2. Use a Dedicated Host PC:

   • Avoid using virtual machines for flashing the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Set up a standalone Ubuntu host PC for a more stable flashing environment.

3. Correct Flashing Procedure:

   • Ensure you’re in the correct directory containing the flashing tools.

   • Use the following command structure for flashing:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device mmcblk0p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_t234_nvme.xml -p "-c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

4. Check USB Connectivity:

   • Verify that the Jetson device is properly recognized by the host system using the lsusb command.
   • Try different USB ports or cables if connection issues persist.

5. Force Recovery Mode:

   • If the automatic connection fails, try putting the device into force recovery mode by connecting the GND and FC REC pins.
   • Ensure the pins are properly connected and try the flashing process again.

6. Monitor Serial Console:

   • If experiencing timeout errors during flashing, check the serial console log from your device to identify any boot issues.
   • Use a serial console cable to connect to the Jetson device and monitor the boot process.

7. Verify BSP Package:

   • Ensure you’re using the correct BSP package for your Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.
   • Verify the BSP version by checking the L4T BSP Information in the flash logs.

8. Clean Installation:

   • If problems persist, try performing a clean installation by formatting the SD card and starting the process from scratch.

9. Check for Hardware Issues:

   • If all software-based solutions fail, consider the possibility of hardware problems.
   • Test with a different SD card or, if possible, another Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit to isolate the issue.

10. Consult NVIDIA Support:

    • If the issue remains unresolved, reach out to NVIDIA’s official support channels or community forums for further assistance.
    • Provide detailed logs and information about your setup when seeking help.

Remember to always use the latest stable release of Jetpack and follow the most up-to-date documentation provided by NVIDIA for the best results when flashing and setting up your Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.