Flashing Image Error on Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users have reported difficulties when attempting to flash an image onto the microSD card for the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The main symptoms include:

• Error messages during the flashing process, which prevent successful booting from the SD card.
• Multiple disk partitions being created on the SD card, leading to boot failures.
• The issue occurs primarily during the setup phase when users try to boot from an SD card after flashing it with JetPack version 5.1.3.
• Users have noted that they are new to the Jetson platform, which may contribute to user error or misconfiguration.
• The problem significantly impacts user experience, as it prevents the initial setup and use of the device.

Possible Causes

Several factors may contribute to this issue:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Using an incompatible or defective microSD card can lead to flashing errors.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The JetPack version being used (5.1.3) may have unresolved bugs affecting the flashing process.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings during the flashing process or failure to follow instructions can lead to issues.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers may prevent proper communication between the host PC and the Jetson board.
• Environmental Factors: Insufficient power supply (e.g., using a power supply not meeting specifications) can affect performance during flashing.
• User Errors: Misunderstanding of the flashing process, such as not entering recovery mode correctly.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the flashing image error, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Hardware Requirements:

   • Ensure you are using a compatible microSD card (32GB UHS-1 minimum recommended) and that it is functioning properly.

2. Prepare the SD Card:

   • Download the correct Jetson Orin Nano SD card image from the JetPack SDK page.
   • Use software like Balena Etcher or Win32 Disk Imager to flash the image onto the microSD card. Ensure that no other partitions exist on the SD card before flashing.

3. Check Power Supply:

   • Confirm that you are using a suitable power supply (19V for Orin Nano) and that it is connected properly.

4. Enter Recovery Mode:

   • To put your board into recovery mode, short pins 9 and 10 on the 12-pin header under the module while powering on. This allows your host PC to detect the board during flashing.

5. Use SDK Manager for Flashing:

   • Connect your Jetson board to a host PC via USB Type-C cable.
   • Launch NVIDIA SDK Manager and select "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit" as your target hardware.
   • Choose "Manual Setup" in SDK Manager and ensure you select "Jetson OS" only for installation.

6. Export Logs for Diagnostics:

   • If errors occur during flashing, use SDK Manager’s "EXPORT LOGS" feature to gather diagnostic information. Attach this ZIP file when seeking further assistance.

7. Re-flash with Different JetPack Version:

   • If issues persist with JetPack 5.1.3, consider reverting to an earlier version like 5.1.2, as some users reported better stability with it.

8. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting tips.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.

9. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Always ensure your software is up-to-date and compatible with your hardware configuration.
   • Familiarize yourself with recovery procedures and common troubleshooting techniques before starting setup.

By following these steps, users should be able to resolve their issues related to flashing images on their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit effectively.