Jetson Orin Nano Installation Error During Flashing Process

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing significant delays and errors while attempting to install JetPack 6 Rev 2 on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano 8GB developer kit using Ubuntu 22.04 and the NVIDIA SDK Manager. The issue arises specifically during the "Flash Jetson Linux" step of the installation process.

Symptoms include:

• The installation process takes an unusually long time before failing.
• This problem has been reported consistently across multiple devices (three Jetson Orin Nano 8GB kits), indicating a potential systemic issue rather than a single hardware fault.

The context of the problem suggests that it may not be related to user error, as the same installation procedure was followed across different units. The impact of this issue severely hampers the user experience, preventing successful setup and utilization of the development kit for artificial intelligence applications.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibility: The board may not be a genuine developer kit, leading to incompatibility with the images provided by the SDK Manager. This could result in installation failures.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be unresolved bugs in JetPack 6 Rev 2 or conflicts with Ubuntu 22.04 that could cause installation issues.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or system configurations could lead to problems during the flashing process.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers may prevent successful communication between the host machine and the Jetson board.

• Environmental Factors: Issues such as power supply instability or overheating could impact the flashing process.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Although less likely given multiple reports, there could be misconfigurations in how users are attempting to flash their devices.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Compatibility:

   • Confirm that the board is indeed a genuine NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano developer kit. If it is not, contact the vendor for guidance on compatible images.

2. Check Software Versions:

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of NVIDIA SDK Manager and JetPack. Check for any updates or patches that may address known issues.

3. Gather Logs:

   • Dump logs during the flashing process to identify specific errors. Use the following command to capture logs:

     sudo ./sdkmanager --log-level=debug
     

   • Review logs for any error messages that could provide insight into what is failing.

4. Reconfigure SDK Manager Settings:

   • Double-check all settings within SDK Manager before starting the flash process.
   • Ensure that you have selected the correct target hardware and software versions.

5. Test Different USB Ports/Cables:

   • Sometimes, USB ports or cables can cause communication issues. Try different ports or use a different cable to connect your Jetson board to your host machine.

6. Isolate Power Supply Issues:

   • Ensure that your power supply is stable and meets the specifications required by the Jetson Orin Nano board.

7. Contact NVIDIA Support:

   • If issues persist after trying these steps, reach out to NVIDIA support as suggested by other users in the forum discussion for further assistance.

8. Documentation and Resources:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for flashing instructions and troubleshooting guides.
   • Check for firmware updates that might address compatibility issues.

9. Best Practices for Future Installations:

   • Always verify hardware compatibility before proceeding with installations.
   • Keep your software tools updated to minimize bugs and conflicts.
   • Maintain stable environmental conditions (power supply, temperature) during installations.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues encountered during the flashing process of their Jetson Orin Nano boards.