JetPack 4.6.1 Compatibility Issues with Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties attempting to flash JetPack 4.6.1 onto the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The primary symptoms include an inability to find support for JetPack 4.x versions on the Orin Nano, which was not available when these versions were released. Users have reported that attempts to install JetPack 4.6.1 result in failure, as the Orin Nano requires JetPack 5.x or higher (L4T R34.x+) for proper functionality. This issue typically arises during the setup process, particularly when users are trying to configure their development environment with an outdated version of JetPack.

The impact of this problem is significant as it prevents users from utilizing their Jetson Orin Nano for development purposes, leading to frustration and delays in project timelines.

Possible Causes

• Version Incompatibility: JetPack 4.x was released before the Jetson Orin Nano existed, so it does not support the hardware.
• Software Bugs: Attempting to use unsupported software versions can lead to unexpected behavior or errors.
• Configuration Errors: Users may not be aware that they need to use JetPack 5.x or higher for the Orin Nano.
• Driver Issues: Older driver versions may not be compatible with the newer hardware.
• User Misconfigurations: Users may incorrectly assume compatibility based on previous experiences with other Jetson devices.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Compatibility:

   • Confirm that you are using JetPack 5.x or later for the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Check the official NVIDIA documentation for supported versions.

2. Flashing Instructions:

   • Download the latest JetPack SDK from the NVIDIA website.
   • Use NVIDIA SDK Manager to flash the appropriate version:

     # Connect your device in recovery mode
     sudo /opt/nvidia/jetson-io/jetson-io.py
     

   • Ensure your board is in recovery mode by connecting pins 9 and 10 of the Button Header while powering on.

3. Using SDK Manager:

   • Launch SDK Manager and select your target hardware as "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit".
   • Choose "Jetson OS" and follow prompts to complete installation.

4. Check Power Supply:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano) as inadequate power can lead to boot issues.

5. Re-flash SD Card:

   • If issues persist, re-flash your microSD card using a different computer or USB reader.
   • Follow these commands to prepare your SD card:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install -y gparted
     

   • Use gparted to format and write the image correctly.

6. Boot Troubleshooting:

   • If you encounter a black screen after booting, ensure that you have followed all initial setup steps correctly.
   • Consider trying a different SD card, as some users have reported success with specific brands.

7. Seek Community Support:

   • Engage with the NVIDIA Developer Forums for additional troubleshooting tips and community advice.

8. Documentation and Resources:

   • Refer to the following resources for detailed guidance:
     • Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide
     • NVIDIA SDK Manager Documentation

By following these steps, users should be able to successfully set up their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit without encountering issues related to JetPack compatibility.