Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit Booting into Shell Issue

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit are experiencing issues where the device fails to boot into the Ubuntu initial setup screen and instead boots into a shell. This problem often arises after a corrupted file leads to a crash, followed by attempts to reimage the SD card. Symptoms include:

• The device reaches the Nvidia splash screen but then freezes.
• After reimaging the SD card, the system boots directly into a command line shell rather than the graphical setup interface.
• Users report varying success in resolving this issue, with some unable to access the graphical interface even after multiple reimaging attempts.

The problem appears to be consistent across different users, particularly those new to the Jetson platform. It significantly impacts user experience as it prevents access to the initial setup and configuration of the device.

Possible Causes

1. Corrupted SD Card Image: If the SD card image used for flashing is corrupted or incomplete, it may prevent proper booting.
2. Improper Flashing Process: Users may not have followed the correct flashing procedure, leading to incomplete installations.
3. Incompatible JetPack Version: Using JetPack 6 (still in developer preview) can lead to instability; users are recommended to use JetPack 5 instead.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers may hinder the boot process.
5. Hardware Defects: There could be defects in the hardware itself, such as issues with the SD card reader or power supply.
6. Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during setup can lead to boot failures.
7. Recovery Mode Misconfiguration: Failure to properly enter recovery mode when flashing can result in an inability to detect the board.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Reflash with SDK Manager:

   • Always use NVIDIA’s SDK Manager for flashing rather than just reimaging the SD card. This ensures all necessary components are installed correctly.
   • Ensure that your board is in recovery mode before attempting to flash:
     • Short pins 9 and 10 on the 12-pin header while powering on.

2. Check Serial Console Logs:

   • Use a serial console connection to gather logs that might provide insight into boot issues.

3. Verify Power Supply:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible power supply (19V for Orin Nano).
   • Check for proper polarity when connecting power.

4. Use Compatible JetPack Version:

   • Downgrade to JetPack 5 if you are currently using JetPack 6. Follow instructions for flashing JetPack 5 from NVIDIA’s documentation.

5. Test Different SD Cards:

   • Use a different microSD card (32GB UHS-1 minimum recommended) as faulty cards can cause boot problems.

6. Update Firmware:

   • Check if your Jetson Orin Nano has the latest firmware and update if necessary.

7. Review Setup Instructions:

   • Follow detailed setup instructions from official NVIDIA documentation closely to avoid configuration errors.

8. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Regularly back up your SD card images.
   • Keep your software updated and monitor for any patches or updates from NVIDIA.

9. Community Support and Documentation:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s forums and documentation for additional troubleshooting tips and community support.

Example Commands

To check if you have access to terminal commands, try:

sudo shutdown -h now

To enter recovery mode, use:

sudo reboot --force forced-recovery

Additional Resources

• Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide
• NVIDIA SDK Manager Documentation
• JetPack SDK Download

This document aims to provide comprehensive guidance on resolving boot issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, ensuring users can effectively troubleshoot and restore functionality to their devices.