Jetson Orin Nano OTG Mount Device Read Only

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing read and write permission issues when connecting the Jetson Orin Nano to a Windows PC via an OTG data cable. The primary symptom is that the filesystem appears as read-only, preventing any data exchange between the devices. This issue arises during attempts to set up a direct connection for file transfers. The Jetson Orin Nano utilizes an ext4 filesystem, which is not natively supported by Windows, leading to compatibility problems. Users have reported that this issue occurs consistently when trying to access the device through the OTG port, significantly impacting their ability to transfer files and utilize the device effectively.

Possible Causes

1. Filesystem Compatibility: The Jetson Orin Nano uses an ext4 filesystem, which Windows cannot recognize or write to, resulting in read-only access.
2. OTG Port Configuration: The OTG port may be configured for read-only exports as a default setting, limiting functionality.
3. Driver Issues: Lack of appropriate drivers on the Windows side may hinder proper communication with the Jetson device.
4. Security Restrictions: Switching filesystems (e.g., to VFAT or NTFS) could introduce security vulnerabilities, complicating the setup further.
5. User Misconfiguration: Incorrect setup or configuration settings on either device can lead to permission issues.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Current Configuration:

   • Use the following command to verify current mount options:

     mount | grep /media
     

   • This will help confirm if the filesystem is indeed mounted as read-only.

2. Set Up SAMBA for File Sharing:

   • Install SAMBA on the Jetson Orin Nano:

     sudo apt-get install samba
     

   • Configure SAMBA to share directories with your Windows PC by editing /etc/samba/smb.conf.

3. Use SSH for File Transfers:

   • Instead of direct OTG connections, consider using SSH and SCP for file transfers.
   • Ensure SSH is installed and running on your Jetson:

     sudo systemctl start ssh
     

   • Transfer files using SCP from your Windows terminal (using tools like PuTTY or WinSCP):

     scp localfile.txt [email protected]:/path/to/destination/
     

4. Consider Alternative Filesystems:

   • If you need a filesystem compatible with both Windows and Linux, consider using an external USB drive formatted as VFAT or NTFS for data exchange purposes.

5. Update Firmware and Drivers:

   • Ensure that both the Jetson Orin Nano and your Windows PC have the latest firmware and drivers installed to improve compatibility.

6. Testing Different Cables:

   • Use high-quality USB cables specifically designed for data transfer, as low-quality cables may lead to connection issues.

7. Monitor System Logs:

   • Check system logs for any error messages related to USB connections:

     dmesg | tail
     

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly update both systems’ software and firmware.
   • Use consistent configurations when setting up devices for file sharing.
   • Document any changes made to configurations for future reference.

By following these steps, users should be able to resolve the read-only issue when connecting their Jetson Orin Nano to a Windows PC via OTG cable, enhancing their overall experience with file transfers between devices.