Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Issues and Solutions

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit have reported various challenges, particularly regarding the setup and operational processes. Common symptoms include:

• Booting Issues: After flashing an SD card, some users experience a black screen during boot, with the green light on the board active but no further progress.
• SDK Manager Problems: Users have difficulty with the SDK Manager not detecting the board or crashing during installation, leading to issues with root password validation.
• Hardware Compatibility: There are reports of specific cameras (IMX477) causing boot failures when connected to non-official carrier boards.
• Documentation Gaps: Many users express frustration over unclear documentation regarding setup processes, leading to a steep learning curve.
• Frequent Errors: Users encounter vague error messages that do not clarify the underlying issues, such as "Test Key is used" and "The Jetson target is in a bad state."

These problems typically occur during initial setup or while attempting to run applications. The issues seem consistent across different user experiences, significantly impacting usability and development efficiency.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities: Non-official carrier boards may not support all features or components, leading to boot failures or operational issues.
2. Software Bugs: The SDK Manager has been reported to have bugs that prevent proper installation and detection of the hardware.
3. Configuration Errors: Improper configurations during setup can lead to persistent boot and operational issues.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause problems with hardware recognition and functionality.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating can affect board performance.
6. User Errors: Misconfigurations during the flashing process or incorrect connections can lead to failure in booting.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1. Check Power Supply: Ensure that the power supply meets the required specifications for the Jetson Orin Nano.
2. Verify Connections: Confirm that all hardware connections are secure and correctly configured, especially when using additional peripherals like cameras.
3. Boot into Recovery Mode:
   • Connect pins 9 and 10 to enter recovery mode.
   • Power on the device while holding these pins connected.

Commands and Procedures

• To check if the board is recognized by SDK Manager, run:

  lsusb
  

  This command lists USB devices; ensure your Jetson board appears.

Isolate the Issue

• Test with a different SD card or flash method (e.g., using SDK Manager instead of direct flashing).
• If using third-party hardware (like cameras), switch to official Nvidia components to rule out compatibility issues.

Recommended Fixes

• Re-flash with JetPack 5.x: Users have found success by reverting to JetPack 5.x if experiencing issues with JetPack 6.x, which is still in developer preview.
• Use SDK Manager Properly:
  • Always choose "Manual Setup" in SDK Manager when prompted.
  • If errors occur during flashing, use the "EXPORT LOGS" function to gather diagnostic information for troubleshooting.

Best Practices

• Regularly check for firmware updates and driver compatibility on Nvidia’s official site.
• Consult Nvidia’s developer forums for community-driven solutions and updates on known issues.

Documentation Links

• Refer to Nvidia’s official Jetson Developer Documentation for detailed guides on setup and troubleshooting.

Unresolved Aspects

Some users continue to face challenges with specific configurations or third-party hardware compatibility. Further investigation may be needed for unique setups or if persistent errors arise despite following recommended steps.

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for troubleshooting common issues faced by users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, aiming to enhance user experience through structured support and solutions.