Jetson Orin Nano Board Not Detected

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, specifically with the board not being detected by the SDK Manager during setup. The symptoms include:

• Detection Failure: The SDK Manager fails to recognize the Jetson Orin Nano when connected via USB Type-C.
• Boot Issues: Users report that after flashing an SD card with JetPack 6, the device either does not boot or gets stuck on the Nvidia logo before going to a black screen.
• Context: This issue typically arises during the initial setup phase when users attempt to update QSPI bootloaders or install JetPack for the first time.
• Hardware/Software Specifications: Users mention using JetPack Version 6.0 and DeepStream Version 6.4, and they are often using freshly flashed SD cards.
• Frequency: This issue appears to be consistent among multiple users, especially those new to the Jetson platform.
• Impact: The inability to detect the board significantly hampers development efforts, preventing users from utilizing the hardware for their intended applications.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes have been identified for this issue:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: There may be issues with the USB Type-C connection or other hardware components.
• Software Bugs: JetPack 6 is noted as a developer preview, which may contain unresolved bugs that affect detection.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect setup steps or failure to properly enter recovery mode could lead to detection failures.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers on the host PC may prevent successful communication with the Jetson board.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could disrupt normal operation.
• User Errors: Misconfigurations during setup, such as not correctly following recovery mode instructions.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the detection issue with the Jetson Orin Nano, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Connections:

   • Ensure that the USB Type-C cable is properly connected to both the Orin Nano and your host PC.

2. Enter Recovery Mode:

   • To put the board into recovery mode, short pins FC REC and GND using jumper caps or a breadboard. This is crucial for SDK Manager detection.
   • Power on the board while holding these pins shorted.

3. Use SDK Manager Correctly:

   • Open SDK Manager on your host PC and select "Manual Setup" when prompted.
   • Ensure that you have selected the correct target device for flashing (e.g., jetson-orin-nano-devkit-qspi).

4. Re-flash SD Card:

   • If issues persist, re-flash your SD card using JetPack 5.x instead of 6.x, as it is more stable for initial setups.
   • Use reliable tools such as Balena Etcher or dd command in Linux for flashing.

5. Check Logs and Export Information:

   • If SDK Manager fails again, click "EXPORT LOGS" in SDK Manager to gather diagnostic information. This can help identify specific errors during detection.

6. Verify Power Supply:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible power supply (19V) and that it is functioning properly.

7. Test Different USB Ports/Computers:

   • Try connecting to different USB ports on your computer or use a different host PC if available.

8. Consult Documentation and Community Forums:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any model-specific instructions and check community forums for similar issues and solutions.

9. Serial Console Access:

   • For deeper diagnostics, consider connecting a serial console cable to monitor boot logs. This can provide insights into what happens during startup.

10. Best Practices for Future Use:

    • Always ensure you are using stable versions of software (preferably JetPack 5.x) for initial setups.
    • Regularly check for firmware updates and follow recommended procedures for flashing and configuration.

By following these steps systematically, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to their Jetson Orin Nano not being detected by SDK Manager.