Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board Boot Issues After Flashing SD Card

Issue Overview

Users have reported problems with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit failing to boot after flashing an SD card. Symptoms include a black screen after the kernel displays, with the green LED on the board lighting up and the fan initially activating before turning off. This issue typically occurs during the first boot after flashing the SD card, which is intended to contain the operating system and necessary software. Users have attempted various methods, including re-flashing the SD card multiple times and using different operating systems (Windows and Linux), but have not succeeded in resolving the issue. The problem appears to be consistent among several users, significantly impacting their ability to utilize the developer kit for AI applications.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the SD card or the developer kit hardware itself could prevent successful booting.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Using JetPack 6, which is still in developer preview, may lead to instability. Users are advised to try JetPack 5 instead.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrectly configured settings during flashing may lead to boot failures.
• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could prevent proper initialization of hardware components.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating could contribute to boot issues.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrectly following setup instructions, such as failing to enter recovery mode properly, can lead to these problems.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Initial Checks:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible microSD card (32GB UHS-1 minimum recommended).
   • Verify that all connections are secure, including power supply and peripherals (keyboard, mouse, display).

2. Re-flashing the SD Card:

   • Download the appropriate JetPack version (preferably JetPack 5) from the NVIDIA JetPack SDK Page.
   • Use SDK Manager to flash the SD card:
     • Connect the Jetson Orin Nano to your host computer using a 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 the base L4T BSP.

3. Manual Setup in Recovery Mode:

   • If SDK Manager does not detect the board:
     • Confirm that you are in recovery mode by checking connections.
     • Use manual setup options in SDK Manager if automatic detection fails.

4. Log Export for Debugging:

   • If issues persist, export logs from SDK Manager by clicking "EXPORT LOGS" in the GUI and attach them for further analysis.

5. Testing Different Configurations:

   • Test with different power supplies (ensure correct voltage) and peripherals.
   • Try using a different computer for flashing if possible.

6. Consult Documentation and Community:

   • Refer to the NVIDIA SDK Manager Documentation for detailed instructions.
   • Engage with community forums for troubleshooting tips and shared experiences.

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always use stable releases of JetPack for initial setups rather than developer previews.
   • Follow setup guides meticulously, ensuring all steps are completed as outlined.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Users have noted ongoing difficulties with board detection and flashing processes that may require further investigation into specific hardware configurations or potential firmware updates.

This document aims to provide a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting boot issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit after flashing an SD card.