Jetson Orin Nano 8GB DK Flashing Failure

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing a flashing failure when attempting to set up the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano 8GB Developer Kit using an SD card. The issue arises during the flashing process, where the configuration unexpectedly shifts to Automatic mode instead of allowing for manual selection. The specific symptoms include repeated error messages during the flashing process, such as:

ERROR: Flash Jetson Linux - flash: tar: Write checkpoint 450000
...
ERROR: Flash Jetson Linux - flash: tar: Write checkpoint 610000

This problem occurs on an Ubuntu 22.04 machine after following these steps:

1. Installed SDK Manager with JetPack 6.
2. Successfully entered recovery mode with a jumper cable.
3. Connected via USB and powered on the device.

The issue is reported to occur consistently, significantly impacting the user experience by preventing successful setup and operation of the device.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this flashing failure have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Using an SD card that is smaller than 64GB may lead to failures, as indicated by one user who switched from a 32GB card to a 64GB card and initially faced issues.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: JetPack 6 is still in developer preview, which may introduce instability or bugs not present in stable releases like JetPack 5.

• Configuration Errors: Automatic configuration may be triggered incorrectly, leading to failure in manual setup.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could prevent proper communication between the host machine and the Jetson board.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect performance during flashing.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly setting up recovery mode or failing to follow specific flashing procedures can lead to errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the flashing failure on the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify SD Card Specifications

   • Ensure that you are using a 64GB or larger SD card. If using a smaller card, switch to at least a 64GB card.

2. Use SDK Manager for Flashing

   • Install and use SDK Manager to flash the device instead of relying solely on SD card images.
   • Make sure your board is in recovery mode before attempting to flash:

     sudo reboot --force forced-recovery
     

   • Connect pins 9 and 10 of the Button Header while powering on the device.

3. Check USB Connection

   • Ensure that the USB connection is secure and that you are using a compatible port on your host machine.
   • Run the following command to check if the device is recognized:

     lsusb -d '0955:'
     

4. Select Manual Configuration

   • In SDK Manager, when prompted, choose Manual Setup instead of Automatic to avoid configuration issues.

5. Review Logs for Errors

   • Export logs from SDK Manager if errors occur during flashing:
     • Click on "EXPORT LOGS" in SDK Manager after an error occurs.
   • Analyze logs for specific error messages that can guide further troubleshooting.

6. Consider Downgrading JetPack

   • If issues persist with JetPack 6, consider using JetPack 5 for initial setup as it is more stable and has been successfully used by other users.

7. Retry Flashing Process

   • After making adjustments (e.g., changing SD cards or configurations), retry the flashing process multiple times if necessary.
   • One user reported success after clicking "Retry" during a failed attempt with a compatible SD card.

8. Check Power Supply

   • Ensure that your power supply is adequate and stable during the flashing process to prevent interruptions.

9. Best Practices for Future Prevention

   • Regularly update your SDK Manager and ensure compatibility with your operating system.
   • Always use recommended hardware specifications as outlined in official documentation.

Code Snippets

For entering recovery mode:

sudo reboot --force forced-recovery

To check USB device recognition:

lsusb -d '0955:'

Unresolved Aspects

Some users have reported ongoing issues even after following these steps, indicating potential deeper hardware or software conflicts that may require further investigation from Nvidia support or community forums.