Flashing NVMe SSD from Ubuntu Without Orin Nano Attached

Issue Overview

Users are inquiring about the feasibility of flashing an NVMe SSD directly from an Ubuntu system without the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development board being connected. This issue arises particularly during setup phases where users aim to prepare their NVMe SSDs for use with the Orin Nano.

Symptoms include:

• Confusion over the correct procedures for flashing an NVMe SSD without the device attached.
• Lack of clear documentation on the steps required to perform this operation solely from Ubuntu.

The context of the problem is primarily during initial setup, where users expect a similar process to that of flashing a microSD card. The issue appears to be consistent among multiple users seeking clarity on this method.

The impact on user experience is significant, as many users may find themselves unable to utilize their NVMe SSDs effectively without understanding the proper flashing procedure.

Possible Causes

• Documentation Gaps: Insufficient guidance in official resources regarding direct flashing procedures for NVMe SSDs.

• User Misunderstanding: Users may misinterpret the capabilities of their systems or the requirements for flashing an NVMe SSD.

• Software Limitations: Potential limitations in Ubuntu or the Jetson SDK that may not support direct flashing without the Orin Nano.

Each of these causes can lead to confusion and frustration, preventing users from successfully preparing their storage devices for use with the Orin Nano.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Official Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation on flashing NVMe drives. The relevant guide can be found here:
     Nvidia Flashing Support Documentation.

2. Prepare Your Environment:

   • Ensure your Ubuntu system is updated and has all necessary dependencies installed for flashing operations.

3. Gather System Information:

   • Use the following command to list connected storage devices:

     lsblk
     

   • This will help you confirm that your NVMe SSD is recognized by the system.

4. Flashing Procedure:

   • Follow these steps to flash your NVMe SSD:
     • Download the appropriate Jetson Linux image.
     • Use dd or other flashing tools as per instructions in the Nvidia documentation.
     • Example command using dd:

       sudo dd if=<path_to_image> of=/dev/nvme0n1 bs=4M status=progress
       

     • Replace <path_to_image> with the path to your downloaded Jetson Linux image.

5. Testing and Validation:

   • After flashing, verify that the NVMe SSD is correctly set up by running:

     sudo fdisk -l
     

   • Ensure that partitions are correctly created and accessible.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues:

   • If you encounter errors during flashing, check:
     • That you have sufficient permissions (run commands with sudo).
     • The integrity of the downloaded image (use checksums if available).

7. Recommended Practices:

   • Always back up existing data on your NVMe SSD before flashing.
   • Regularly check Nvidia forums and documentation for updates on procedures and tools.

8. Further Investigation:

   • If issues persist or if users report additional problems, consider reaching out to Nvidia support or community forums for more tailored assistance.

By following these steps, users should be able to effectively flash their NVMe SSDs directly from Ubuntu, ensuring a smoother setup process for their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano development boards.