How to Massflash Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to massflash the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The symptoms include confusion over the correct flashing procedure, as well as issues related to the detection of the board during the flashing process. The problem typically arises during setup, particularly when users try to flash an SD card image or use the NVIDIA SDK Manager. Users have reported encountering a black screen after booting, errors in board detection, and complications with recovery mode. The issue appears consistent among multiple users, significantly hindering their ability to utilize the device effectively. The hardware specifications include various configurations of the Jetson Orin Nano, and users often reference specific versions of JetPack (e.g., JetPack 5 and JetPack 6) in their discussions.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues may arise from using incorrect or incompatible hardware components, leading to detection failures during flashing.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Newer versions of JetPack (such as JetPack 6) may still contain bugs that affect stability and functionality.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or improper connections during recovery mode can prevent successful flashing.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or missing drivers can lead to communication problems between the host PC and the Jetson board.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating can affect performance during critical operations like flashing.
• User Misconfigurations: Incorrectly following instructions or misunderstanding recovery mode procedures can lead to repeated failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Ensure all connections are secure, especially the USB Type-C cable connecting the Jetson board to the host PC.
   • Confirm that you are using a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano).

2. Enter Recovery Mode:

   • Short pins 9 and 10 on the Button Header while powering on the device to put it into Force Recovery Mode. This is crucial for successful detection by SDK Manager.

3. Use NVIDIA SDK Manager:

   • Download and install NVIDIA SDK Manager on a compatible Ubuntu host (preferably Ubuntu 20.04).
   • Launch SDK Manager and select "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit" as your target hardware.
   • Follow prompts to flash the base L4T BSP. Ensure you select only necessary components for installation.

4. Flashing Procedure:

   • If using an SD card image, ensure it is correctly written using tools like Balena Etcher or Win32 Disk Imager.
   • For initial setups, use JetPack 5 instead of JetPack 6 due to stability concerns.

5. Check Logs for Errors:

   • If issues persist, use the “EXPORT LOGS” feature in SDK Manager to gather diagnostic information.
   • Review logs for specific error messages that can guide further troubleshooting.

6. Test with Different SD Cards:

   • Use different SD cards (32GB UHS-1 minimum recommended) if problems continue, as card corruption can cause boot issues.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for detailed guidance on flashing processes and troubleshooting steps.

8. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional insights and shared experiences from other users who faced similar issues.

9. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Always ensure that you are using the latest stable version of JetPack compatible with your hardware.
   • Regularly check for firmware updates that may improve stability and performance.

By following these steps systematically, users should be able to diagnose and resolve issues related to massflashing their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit effectively.