Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Force Recovery Not Working

Issue Overview

Users have reported difficulties in putting the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit into force recovery mode. The symptoms include:

• Inability to enter recovery mode: When users attempt to short the FC REC and GND pins, the power button remains on instead of turning off, indicating that the device is not entering recovery mode as expected.

• Connection issues with Ubuntu: After attempting to enter recovery mode, users find that their Jetson device does not appear in the Ubuntu system, suggesting a failure to establish a connection.

• Context of occurrence: This issue arises during the setup phase when users are trying to connect the Jetson Orin Nano to their PC for development purposes.

• Hardware and software specifications: Users typically operate on Ubuntu for their development environment. Specific hardware configurations or versions of Ubuntu were not detailed in the discussion.

• Frequency of the issue: The problem seems to occur inconsistently; one user mentioned that this process had worked fine previously but failed after a break from using the device.

• Impact on user experience: The inability to enter recovery mode significantly hinders users’ ability to set up or troubleshoot their Jetson Orin Nano devices, affecting overall functionality and development progress.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes could explain why users are unable to enter recovery mode:

• Hardware incompatibilities or defects: There may be issues with the hardware itself, such as faulty pins or connections that prevent successful entry into recovery mode.

• Configuration errors: Users may not be using the correct pins or may not be following the proper sequence for entering recovery mode.

• Driver issues: If the necessary drivers are not installed or configured correctly on the Ubuntu system, it could lead to connection failures.

• User errors or misconfigurations: Incorrectly shorting the pins or holding them too long could prevent the device from entering recovery mode.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To resolve the issue of entering force recovery mode on the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Pin Connections:

   • Ensure that you are shorting the correct FC REC and GND pins. Double-check against official documentation or reliable sources.

2. Power Cycle and Retry:

   • Power off the device completely. Wait a few seconds, then try powering it back on while shorting the pins. Release them immediately after powering on.

3. Check USB Connection:

   • Make sure that you are connecting to the correct USB port on your Linux host PC. Use the command:

     lsusb -d '0955:'
     

   • This command checks for any connected NVIDIA devices. If nothing appears, try different USB ports or cables.

4. Inspect for Hardware Issues:

   • Look for any visible damage to the pins or board. If possible, test with another Jetson Orin Nano unit if available.

5. Use Jumper Caps (if available):

   • If you have jumper caps, use them instead of a breadboard for a more secure connection between FC REC and GND pins.

6. Driver Installation:

   • Ensure that all necessary drivers for your Jetson Orin Nano are installed on your Ubuntu system. Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for driver installation instructions.

7. Consult Documentation:

   • Review Nvidia’s official documentation for any specific instructions regarding force recovery mode for your specific model.

8. Power Supply Check:

   • Ensure that your power supply is functioning correctly and providing adequate power to the device.

9. Community Support:

   • If problems persist, consider reaching out to community forums or Nvidia support for further assistance and insights from other users who may have faced similar issues.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to entering force recovery mode on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.