Flashing Jetson Orin Nano DevKit Fails with “Flash failure”
Issue Overview
Users are experiencing issues while attempting to flash the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, specifically encountering a "Flash failure" error. The symptoms include:
- Slow UI Performance: Initially, after flashing an ISO to an SD card, users reported slow performance.
- Failed SSD Flashing: Users have consistently faced failures when trying to flash an SSD, receiving errors such as "Failed to execute commands with GenericInstaller."
- Inconsistent Booting: Although the BIOS loads, attempts to boot from the SD card fail post-flashing.
- Multiple Attempts with Different Configurations: Users have tried various setups, including different versions of Ubuntu (22.04 and 20.04), changing USB cables, and using different SSDs without success.
- Log Files: Users have shared logs indicating various errors during the flashing process, including SDK Manager logs and minicom logs.
The issue appears to be persistent across different hardware configurations and software versions, significantly impacting user experience by preventing successful setup and operation of the device.
Possible Causes
Several potential causes for the flashing failure have been identified:
- Hardware Incompatibilities: Issues may arise from using incompatible SSDs or other hardware components.
- Software Bugs: The use of JetPack 6.0 DP (Developer Preview) may introduce instability or bugs that affect flashing.
- Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during the flashing process can lead to failures.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent successful communication between the host PC and the Jetson board.
- Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect the flashing process.
- User Errors: Missteps in following the flashing procedure or incorrect connections (e.g., recovery mode pins) can lead to failures.
Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes
To address the "Flash failure" issue, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:
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Verify Hardware Setup:
- Ensure that all components (SD card, SSD, power supply) are compatible and functioning correctly.
- Use a reliable 19V power supply for the Orin Nano.
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Check Firmware Version:
- Confirm that your Jetson Orin Nano has the latest firmware necessary for JetPack 6.0. If not, update it using an SD card with JetPack 5.x.
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Put Device in Recovery Mode:
- Short pins 9 and 10 on the Button Header while powering on the device to enter Force Recovery Mode.
- Connect the device to your host PC via USB Type-C.
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Use SDK Manager for Flashing:
- Launch NVIDIA SDK Manager on your host computer.
- Select "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit" as your target hardware.
- Choose only "Jetson OS" for flashing and deselect any additional components unless necessary.
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Export Logs for Analysis:
- If a flash fails, use the “EXPORT LOGS” feature in SDK Manager to gather detailed logs for troubleshooting.
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Test Different Software Versions:
- If using JetPack 6.x leads to issues, revert to a stable version like JetPack 5.x for initial setup and flashing.
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Check Serial Console Logs:
- Capture serial console logs during flash attempts to identify specific error messages that may provide insights into failures.
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Perform a Clean Installation:
- If problems persist, consider performing a clean installation of Ubuntu and re-flashing from scratch using a freshly downloaded image.
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Consult Documentation & Community Forums:
- Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for detailed instructions on flashing and setup.
- Engage with community forums for additional support and shared experiences from other users facing similar issues.
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Best Practices for Future Prevention:
- Always ensure that you are using stable releases of software when setting up new hardware.
- Keep all firmware and software up-to-date to minimize compatibility issues.
By following these steps, users can systematically diagnose and resolve issues related to flashing the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.