Jetson Orin Nano Flashing Error: ERROR: Flash Jetson Linux – flash: command terminated with error

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing an error while attempting to flash the Jetson Orin Nano development board. The specific error message encountered is "ERROR: Flash Jetson Linux – flash: command terminated with error." This issue occurs during the flashing process and prevents the successful installation of the Jetson Linux operating system on the device. The problem persists across multiple JetPack versions, including 6.0, 5.1.3, and 5.1.2, indicating that it is not version-specific. The error significantly impacts the user’s ability to set up and use the Jetson Orin Nano, as flashing is a crucial step in the initial configuration of the device.

Possible Causes

1. Firewall Interference: The most likely cause of this issue is firewall settings on the host PC blocking the necessary network connections for the flashing process. The Jetson flashing process uses NFS (Network File System) to mount and transfer files, which can be interrupted by strict firewall rules.

2. Network Configuration Issues: Improper network settings on the host PC or the development board could prevent the establishment of the required connections for flashing.

3. Corrupted or Incomplete JetPack Installation: If the JetPack SDK is not correctly installed or is corrupted, it may lead to flashing errors.

4. Hardware Connectivity Problems: Faulty USB connections or cables between the host PC and the Jetson Orin Nano could cause communication issues during the flashing process.

5. Insufficient Permissions: Lack of proper user permissions on the host PC might prevent the flashing tools from accessing necessary system resources.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Disable Firewall Settings:

   • This is the primary solution that resolved the issue for the user in the forum discussion.
   • Disable the firewall on your host PC (Ubuntu in this case).
   • Also, disable any firewall settings on your modem or router.
   • To disable the UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) on Ubuntu, use the following command:

     sudo ufw disable
     

   • Remember to re-enable your firewall after successful flashing for security reasons.

2. Check Network Configuration:

   • Ensure that your host PC and the Jetson Orin Nano are on the same network subnet.
   • Verify that there are no conflicting IP addresses.
   • Try using a direct Ethernet connection between the host PC and the Jetson board if possible.

3. Reinstall JetPack SDK:

   • If the issue persists, try completely uninstalling and then reinstalling the JetPack SDK.
   • Download the latest compatible version from the NVIDIA Developer website.
   • Follow the installation instructions carefully, ensuring all dependencies are met.

4. Verify Hardware Connections:

   • Check all USB and power connections between your host PC and the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Try using different USB ports or cables to rule out hardware connectivity issues.
   • Ensure the Jetson board is in recovery mode before initiating the flash process.

5. Run Flashing Tools with Elevated Permissions:

   • Use sudo when running the flashing commands to ensure sufficient permissions.
   • Example:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

6. Check and Update Host PC Drivers:

   • Ensure that your host PC has the latest USB and network drivers installed.
   • Update your operating system to the latest version to rule out any compatibility issues.

7. Monitor System Logs:

   • While attempting to flash, monitor the system logs for any specific error messages:

     tail -f /var/log/syslog
     

   • Look for any entries related to NFS, network issues, or permission problems.

8. Try Alternative Flashing Methods:

   • If the standard flashing method continues to fail, consider using alternative methods like flashing via SD card if supported by your Jetson Orin Nano model.

9. Contact NVIDIA Support:

   • If none of the above solutions work, consider reaching out to NVIDIA’s official support channels or community forums with detailed logs and system information.

Remember to re-enable your firewall and any other security measures you disabled during this process once the flashing is successfully completed. It’s crucial to maintain proper security practices while using your development environment.