Flash.sh Gets Stuck at Retrieving Storage Info

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues while attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board using the flash.sh script. The specific symptom is that the flashing process gets stuck at the line indicating "Retrieving storage information," specifically at the log entry:

[   9.7190 ] Retrieving storage information
[   9.7241 ] tegrarcm_v2 --chip 0x23 0 --oem platformdetails storage storage_info.bin

This issue occurs during the setup phase when users are trying to flash their custom carrier board with NVMe storage and a rootfs A/B configuration. The problem appears to be consistent, as multiple users have experienced similar symptoms. The impact on user experience is significant, as it prevents the successful installation of the operating system and subsequent use of the Jetson Orin Nano.

Relevant specifications mentioned include:

• Jetson Orin Nano (8 GB)
• Use of NVMe storage

The inability to proceed with flashing can halt development and testing processes, leading to frustration among users.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the custom carrier board or NVMe storage is not fully compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, it may cause the flashing process to fail.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the flash.sh script or conflicts with other software components that interfere with the flashing process.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the flashing command or setup could lead to this issue, particularly if parameters for the custom carrier board are not set correctly.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for the NVMe storage could prevent proper recognition and access during the flashing process.

• Environmental Factors: Issues such as inadequate power supply or overheating could affect hardware performance and stability during flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings or commands necessary for a successful flash.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issue where flash.sh gets stuck at retrieving storage information, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Hardware Compatibility:

   • Ensure that your custom carrier board and NVMe storage are compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano. Refer to Nvidia’s hardware compatibility documentation.

2. Review Flashing Command:

   • Verify that you are using the correct command for flashing. For example, a typical command might look like:

     sudo ./flash.sh <board_config> <storage_type>
     

   • Replace <board_config> and <storage_type> with appropriate values for your setup.

3. Update Software and Drivers:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack SDK and any relevant drivers. Check Nvidia’s website for updates.

4. Run Flashing in Verbose Mode:

   • To gather more detailed logs, run flash.sh with verbose output:

     sudo ./flash.sh --verbose <board_config> <storage_type>
     

5. Inspect Logs:

   • Review the complete log file (flash-log.txt) generated during the process for any specific error messages that could provide insight into what is causing it to hang.

6. Test with Different Configurations:

   • If possible, try using a different NVMe drive or revert to an earlier version of JetPack to see if that resolves the issue.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation regarding flashing procedures for specific guidance related to your configuration:
     • Nvidia Jetson Quick Start Guide

8. Check Power Supply:

   • Ensure that your power supply meets the requirements for both the Jetson Orin Nano and any connected peripherals.

9. Seek Community Support:

   • If issues persist, consider posting detailed logs and descriptions on forums dedicated to Nvidia Jetson products for community assistance.

10. Recommended Approach:

    • Users have found success by ensuring all components are compatible and by following Nvidia’s recommended flashing procedures closely.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to flash.sh getting stuck during execution on their Jetson Orin Nano Dev board.