Failure to get past directboot

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board, specifically failing to progress beyond the directboot starting page after flashing multiple SD cards with JetPack versions 5.12, 6.0, and 6.1. The symptoms include:

• The board boots to the directboot screen but then stops receiving a signal.
• Users must unplug and replug the Jetson device to attempt another boot.
• No log files are available for troubleshooting, as users lack a serial cable.

The issue occurs during the initial boot process after flashing the SD card, which was performed using Balena Etcher on an Ubuntu 22.04 machine. Users have also attempted to use the SDK Manager to put the Orin Nano into force recovery mode by shorting specific pins (9-10 and 3-4), but these methods have not been successful. The frequency of this issue appears to be consistent among users who have reported similar experiences, significantly impacting their ability to set up and use the device.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the SD cards or the board itself are defective, it could lead to boot failures.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Incompatibilities between different versions of JetPack and the Orin Nano hardware may cause issues during boot.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrectly flashed images or settings could prevent successful booting.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could hinder communication between hardware components.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply problems or overheating may affect board performance during boot.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper handling of hardware connections or incorrect pin shorting might prevent entering recovery mode.

Each of these causes can lead to failure in reaching the operating system from the directboot screen.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve this issue, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure all connections are secure and that there are no visible defects on the board or SD card slots.

2. Use a Serial Cable:

   • Acquire a serial cable to connect to the Jetson Orin Nano. This will allow you to access logs that can provide insight into what happens during boot.

3. Reflash SD Cards:

   • Reflash the SD cards using Balena Etcher, ensuring that you are using compatible versions of JetPack. Verify that the flashing process completes without errors.

4. Test Different JetPack Versions:

   • If possible, test with other versions of JetPack (e.g., earlier versions) to see if compatibility issues exist.

5. Force Recovery Mode:

   • Attempt to enter force recovery mode by:
     • Shorting pins REC/GND and powering up the board.
     • If unsuccessful, try shorting pins 3-4 instead, as suggested by other users.
   • Make sure you are following proper procedures for pin shorting, as incorrect methods may prevent entering recovery mode.

6. Check Power Supply:

   • Ensure that your power supply meets the requirements for the Orin Nano. Insufficient power can lead to boot failures.

7. Isolation Tests:

   • If available, test with another Jetson Orin Nano board to determine if the issue is specific to one unit.

8. Documentation and Updates:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates regarding known issues with specific JetPack versions or hardware configurations.
   • Check for firmware updates that may address known bugs.

9. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights or shared experiences from other users who faced similar issues.

10. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

    • Regularly check for updates on software and firmware related to your hardware.
    • Maintain proper handling and storage of hardware components to avoid damage.

By following these steps, users may be able to diagnose and resolve their issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board effectively.