JetPack 6 Developer Preview Does Not Support APT Upgrades

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing issues with the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit when attempting to upgrade to the JetPack 6 Developer Preview. The specific symptoms include failure to perform APT upgrades, leading to confusion during setup and installation processes. This issue arises during the initial setup or when trying to update the system software. Users have reported that they receive warnings against using APT for upgrades, as OTA features are not supported in this release. The problem is consistent among users trying to upgrade from earlier versions, and it significantly impacts their ability to utilize the device effectively. Additionally, users must install JetPack 6 using the SDK Manager or manual flashing to update the QSPI bootloaders before they can use SD Card images for subsequent installations.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: The Jetson Orin Nano may not be compatible with certain software versions if not properly configured.
• Software Bugs: The JetPack 6 Developer Preview may contain bugs that prevent standard upgrade procedures from functioning correctly.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings or configurations during the initial setup may lead to issues when attempting upgrades.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could hinder the installation process or lead to system instability.
• User Errors: Misunderstanding of the installation requirements (e.g., needing to install JetPack 6 via SDK Manager first) can lead to failed attempts at upgrading.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could potentially affect performance and stability during upgrades.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Initial Setup Verification:

   • Ensure that you have a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano).
   • Confirm that you are using a microSD card that meets the minimum requirements (32GB UHS-1 recommended).

2. Using SDK Manager:

   • Download and install NVIDIA SDK Manager on an Ubuntu host machine (preferably Ubuntu 20.04).
   • Connect your Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit via USB Type-C cable.
   • Put the board into Recovery Mode by shorting pins 9 and 10 on the Button Header while powering on.
   • Launch SDK Manager and select "Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit" as your target hardware.
   • Follow prompts to flash JetPack 6.

3. Manual Flashing:

   • If SDK Manager fails, consider manually flashing JetPack 5 first, as it is more stable.
   • Download the appropriate SD Card image from the JetPack SDK Page.
   • Use a tool like Balena Etcher or Win32 Disk Imager to write the image to your microSD card.

4. Post-Installation Steps:

   • After successfully installing JetPack 6, ensure that you update QSPI bootloaders as described in the forum discussions.
   • If using an SD Card image, remember this is only viable after initial installation through SDK Manager.

5. Common Commands for Troubleshooting:

   • To check for available updates:

     sudo apt update
     

   • To install necessary utilities:

     sudo apt install -y v4l-utils
     

6. Best Practices:

   • Always back up important data before performing upgrades or flashing new software.
   • Regularly check NVIDIA’s developer forums and documentation for updates and community advice.

7. Further Investigation:

   • If issues persist after following these steps, consider reaching out on NVIDIA forums with specific error logs (use "EXPORT LOGS" in SDK Manager).
   • Document any error messages encountered during installation attempts for further assistance.

By adhering to these guidelines, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to upgrading their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.