Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit Setup Requirements

Issue Overview

The discussion revolves around the initial setup requirements for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, particularly focusing on the hardware needed to successfully flash the device and prepare it for use. Users have reported confusion regarding the specific hardware components necessary for setup, including:

• Symptoms/Errors: Users are uncertain about what hardware is required for the initial setup and flashing process.
• Context: This issue arises during the first-time setup using the SDK Manager, where users aim to configure the device for processing 2D LIDAR data on a drone.
• Hardware/Software Specifications: Essential components mentioned include a microSD card, USB-C cable, and a host PC running Ubuntu.
• Frequency: This issue appears to be common among new users of the Jetson Orin Nano.
• Impact: Lack of clarity on setup requirements can hinder users from effectively using their devices, impacting their projects and development timelines.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this confusion can be identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Users may not possess all necessary hardware components, such as a compatible microSD card or USB-C cable.
• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues may arise if the SDK Manager is not properly installed or if there are compatibility issues with the host operating system.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect setup steps or missing components can lead to failures in flashing or booting the device.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers on the host PC may prevent proper communication with the Jetson Orin Nano.
• User Errors: New users might misinterpret instructions or overlook required hardware.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address these issues effectively, follow these comprehensive troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Required Hardware:

   • Ensure you have the following components:
     • NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
     • MicroSD card (64GB UHS-1 or larger) or NVMe SSD (optional)
     • USB-C to USB-A/C cable
     • Ubuntu host PC (Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 recommended)
     • Keyboard, mouse, and monitor

2. Prepare MicroSD Card:

   • Download the JetPack image from the official NVIDIA website.
   • Use a tool like Balena Etcher to flash the image onto your microSD card:

     balenaEtcher --image <path_to_jetpack_image> --target <path_to_sd_card>
     

3. Connect Hardware:

   • Insert the flashed microSD card into the Jetson Orin Nano module.
   • Connect your monitor via DisplayPort (HDMI adapters are optional).
   • Connect keyboard and mouse.

4. Power On and Initial Setup:

   • Connect the power supply to the device and power it on.
   • Follow on-screen prompts for initial configuration (e.g., language selection, network configuration).

5. Using SDK Manager:

   • Install NVIDIA SDK Manager on your Ubuntu host PC.
   • Launch SDK Manager with:

     sdkmanager
     

   • Select "Jetson Orin Nano" as your target device and proceed with installation.

6. Booting Issues:

   • If you encounter boot issues (e.g., "Warning Test Key is used"), ensure that you have updated QSPI bootloaders by installing JetPack on your SD card using SDK Manager.

7. Recovery Mode:

   • If your device is not detected by SDK Manager, place it in recovery mode by shorting specific pins while powering it on. Refer to documentation for pin locations.

8. Documentation and Updates:

   • Regularly check for firmware updates and refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips.

9. Best Practices for Future Use:

   • Always ensure that you are using compatible hardware and software versions.
   • Keep your system updated with the latest drivers and firmware.

10. Recommended Solutions:

    • If multiple users reported success with using JetPack 5 instead of 6 for initial setups, consider starting with JetPack 5 if you encounter persistent issues with version 6.

By following these steps, users should be able to successfully set up their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit without significant issues. Further investigation may be needed if problems persist beyond these troubleshooting measures.