Flash Jetson Linux Failed on SD Card: Failed to Read RCM State

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash Jetson Linux onto a Jetson Orin Nano using the SDK Manager. The specific error encountered is "failed to read rcm_state" during the flashing process. This issue occurs during the initial setup of the device, preventing users from successfully installing the operating system on their Jetson Orin Nano.

Key details:

• Device: Jetson Orin Nano
• Storage: 128GB SD Card
• Host System: Ubuntu 20.04
• Flashing Method: SDK Manager
• JetPack Version: 6.0 (rev. 2)

The problem persists even when the Jetson is properly set to Force Recovery Mode and connected to the host PC via USB-C cable.

Possible Causes

1. NFS Server Issues: The error log indicates problems with the NFS (Network File System) server, which is crucial for the flashing process.

2. Firewall Interference: Although ruled out in this case, active firewalls can potentially block the NFS server and interfere with the flashing process.

3. Masked System Units: The error message suggests that the "proc-fs-nfsd.mount" unit is masked, which could prevent proper functioning of the NFS server.

4. SDK Manager Compatibility: There might be compatibility issues between the SDK Manager version and the host operating system or the Jetson Orin Nano hardware.

5. USB Connection Problems: Faulty USB-C cables or ports could lead to communication issues between the host PC and the Jetson device.

6. Incorrect Recovery Mode: Despite user claims, the Jetson might not be entering Force Recovery Mode correctly.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Unmask the NFS-related System Unit:
   Try unmasking the proc-fs-nfsd.mount unit:

   sudo systemctl unmask proc-fs-nfsd.mount
   sudo systemctl start nfs-kernel-server.service
   

2. Verify NFS Server Status:
   Check if the NFS server is running properly:

   sudo systemctl status nfs-kernel-server.service
   

   If it’s not running, try starting it:

   sudo systemctl start nfs-kernel-server.service
   

3. Double-check Recovery Mode:
   Ensure the Jetson Orin Nano is correctly entering Force Recovery Mode:

   • Power off the device
   • Press and hold the Force Recovery button
   • While holding the button, connect the USB-C cable to the host PC
   • Power on the device
   • Release the Force Recovery button after 2 seconds

4. Verify USB Connection:

   • Try a different USB-C cable
   • Use a different USB port on the host PC
   • Check if the Jetson device is recognized by the host system:

     lsusb
     

     Look for an NVIDIA device in the output

5. Update SDK Manager:
   Ensure you’re using the latest version of the SDK Manager compatible with JetPack 6.0 and Ubuntu 20.04.

6. Check for System Updates:
   Update your Ubuntu system:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade
   

7. Temporarily Disable SELinux:
   If SELinux is enabled, try temporarily disabling it:

   sudo setenforce 0
   

   Remember to re-enable it after flashing.

8. Use Alternative Flashing Method:
   If SDK Manager continues to fail, try using the command-line flashing method:

   • Download the appropriate BSP and sample root filesystem
   • Extract the BSP and navigate to the Linux_for_Tegra directory
   • Run the flashing command:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

9. Check Disk Space:
   Ensure your host system has sufficient free disk space for the flashing process.

10. Review SDK Manager Logs:
    Analyze the full SDK Manager logs for any additional error messages or clues about the failure.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to NVIDIA support with the full SDK Manager logs and details about your setup for further assistance.