Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit JetPack 6 Installation Issues

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit have reported various issues while attempting to install or upgrade to JetPack 6.0. The symptoms include:

• Installation errors: Users encounter prompts indicating system readiness verification failures when using the SDK Manager, particularly related to APT repository access and Debian package installation. Specific error messages indicate that the repository is not signed, preventing secure updates.

• Flashing problems: Some users have experienced difficulties during the manual flashing process. Despite following instructions to enter Force Recovery mode and verifying USB connections, the SDK Manager fails to detect the connected Jetson device.

• Booting issues: After successful installation, some users report that their devices suddenly stop booting, with no output on screens or power to USB devices. Reflashing temporarily resolves the issue but it reoccurs.

• Compatibility concerns: Questions arise regarding the ability to revert to previous JetPack versions after upgrading, particularly concerning bootloader compatibility stored in QSPI memory rather than on SD cards.

The context for these problems primarily occurs during the installation or upgrade phases of JetPack 6.0, with users utilizing various methods such as SDK Manager, manual flashing, and SD card installations. The impact of these issues significantly hampers user experience and functionality of the development kits.

Possible Causes

• APT Repository Issues: The failure to access signed APT repositories can prevent successful installations and updates, leading to installation errors during setup.

• USB Connection Problems: Incorrect USB connections or failure to properly initiate Force Recovery mode may result in detection issues by the SDK Manager.

• Flashing Methodology: Errors in following manual flashing instructions or using incorrect commands could lead to failure in detecting the Jetson device.

• Power Supply Issues: Insufficient power supply during operation or flashing can cause devices to fail to boot or operate correctly.

• Software Bugs: Potential bugs in JetPack 6.0 or SDK Manager might contribute to installation failures or operational inconsistencies post-installation.

• User Misconfiguration: Incorrect configurations during setup, such as improperly formatted SD cards or misconfigured NVMe drives, can lead to installation and operational issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify APT Repository Access:

   • Run the following commands in the terminal to check for repository issues:

     sudo -S apt-get update
     sudo -S apt-get check
     dpkg --audit
     

   • If you encounter errors about unsigned repositories, consider adding valid keys or switching to a different repository source.

2. Check USB Connections:

   • Ensure that you are using a compatible USB-A to USB-C cable.
   • Confirm that your device is in Force Recovery mode by jumping pins 9 and 10 before initiating the flash process.
   • After confirming connections, run lsusb on your host machine to verify that it detects an NVIDIA device.

3. Manual Flashing Instructions:

   • Follow these commands for flashing based on your hardware configuration:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device nvme0n1p1 -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_t234_nvme.xml --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

   • Ensure you are using the correct flash script for your specific model (e.g., Orin NX vs. Orin Nano).

4. Power Supply Check:

   • Verify that your power supply meets the requirements for the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.
   • If possible, try using a different power adapter.

5. Reflash if Necessary:

   • If booting issues occur after installation, consider reflashing JetPack 6.0 again using either SDK Manager or manual methods.
   • Use a clean and properly formatted SD card if applicable.

6. Downgrade Considerations:

   • If you need to revert to JetPack 5 after upgrading, note that downgrading requires a host machine and cannot be performed solely through SD card methods due to bootloader storage in QSPI memory.

7. Documentation and Updates:

   • Regularly check for updates on Nvidia’s official documentation pages for JetPack and SDK Manager for any patches or fixes related to identified bugs.
   • Stay informed about new releases or updates that may resolve existing issues.

8. Best Practices:

   • Always back up important data before performing installations or upgrades.
   • Use official tools and follow recommended procedures from Nvidia’s documentation for optimal results.

Unresolved aspects include persistent booting failures after installation and specific configurations that may lead to detection issues with SDK Manager. Further investigation into these areas may be necessary for a comprehensive solution.