How to Upgrade from Jetpack 6.0 to Jetpack 6.1 using SD card method and Debian package upgrade?

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties upgrading from Jetpack 6.0 to Jetpack 6.1 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Development Kit using an SD card. The main symptoms include:

• Failed Upgrade Attempts: Users report that the Debian upgrade method on an existing SD card did not succeed.
• Context of the Issue: The problem arises during the upgrade process, specifically when users try to maintain their existing installations (such as ROS2 Humble and other dependencies) without losing their work.
• Hardware/Software Specifications: Users are utilizing a 128 GB SD card with Jetpack 6.0 installed, along with various packages and dependencies.
• Frequency of the Issue: The issue appears to be common among users attempting similar upgrades without a Linux machine.
• Impact on User Experience: The failure to upgrade can lead to significant frustration as users may need to reinstall numerous packages and dependencies, which is time-consuming.

Possible Causes

Several potential reasons for the upgrade failure have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The SD card or the Jetson Orin Nano may have compatibility issues with the new version of Jetpack.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the Debian package upgrade process or conflicts with existing software installations that prevent a successful upgrade.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the existing setup might hinder the upgrade process.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could cause problems during the upgrade.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings or fail to follow necessary steps for a successful upgrade.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the upgrade issues, users can follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps and potential solutions:

1. Backup Existing Data:

   • Ensure that all important files and configurations are backed up before attempting any upgrades.

2. Verify SD Card Integrity:

   • Check the SD card for errors using a tool like fsck:

     sudo fsck /dev/sdX
     

   • Replace /dev/sdX with your actual device identifier.

3. Check Compatibility:

   • Confirm that Jetpack 6.1 is compatible with your current hardware and software setup.

4. Follow Proper Upgrade Steps:

   • Ensure that you are following the correct steps for upgrading via Debian package method:
     • Update your package lists:

       sudo apt update
       

     • Upgrade existing packages:

       sudo apt upgrade
       

     • Install new packages specific to Jetpack 6.1 as needed.

5. Use Command-Line Tools:

   • If you cannot use SDK Manager due to lack of a Linux machine, consider using command-line tools for installation:
     • Download necessary .deb files for Jetpack 6.1 from Nvidia’s website.
     • Install them using dpkg:

       sudo dpkg -i package_name.deb
       

6. Isolate Issues:

   • If possible, test the upgrade process on a separate SD card with a fresh installation of Jetpack 6.0 to see if the issue persists.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any specific instructions related to upgrading from Jetpack 6.0 to 6.1.

8. Seek Community Help:

   • If issues continue, post detailed error messages and steps taken in forums like Nvidia Developer Forums for community support.

9. Monitor System Logs:

   • Check system logs for errors related to the upgrade process using:

     dmesg | less
     

10. Recommended Approach:

    • Users have reported success by performing a clean installation of Jetpack 6.1 on a new SD card and then manually transferring essential packages and configurations from the old setup.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot their upgrade issues and minimize data loss during the process.