Orin MIDI ALSA Disconnect

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing an issue with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board where MIDI controllers function only once after being connected. Specifically, the amidi command, which is used to interface with MIDI devices through ALSA, works correctly the first time but fails on subsequent attempts, causing the system to hang. This problem occurs in the context of running software originally designed for the previous Jetson Nano model.

Symptoms:

• MIDI controller works on first connection but fails thereafter.
• The amidi -d command hangs after the initial execution.
• No significant error messages are found in dmesg logs.

Context:

• The issue arises during direct usage of a MIDI controller connected via USB.
• Users have confirmed that the same MIDI hardware works correctly on the older Jetson Nano.

Relevant Specifications:

• Orin Nano Kernel Version: 5.10.104-tegra
• amidi Version on Orin: 1.2.2
• amidi Version on Jetson Nano: 1.1.3

Frequency:

The issue appears consistently across multiple user reports.

Impact:

This problem significantly hampers user experience as it prevents effective use of MIDI controllers in homegrown software applications.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Differences in USB handling or MIDI interface support between the Orin Nano and older models could lead to this issue.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The newer version of amidi (1.2.2) may contain bugs or incompatibilities that affect functionality with specific MIDI hardware.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings during the installation or setup process could lead to improper functioning of MIDI devices.

• Driver Issues: Potential discrepancies in driver support for USB and MIDI interfaces between different kernel versions may contribute to this problem.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or temperature variations could affect device performance, although less likely in this context.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may not have followed the correct installation procedures, leading to incomplete setups that affect functionality.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Verify Installation:

   • Ensure that Jetpack is correctly installed on the Orin Nano. Use SDK Manager for installation and check if all necessary components are included.
   • Confirm that CUDA is set up correctly without unnecessary packages if they are not required.

2. Check Kernel Compatibility:

   • Use the command uname -a to confirm your kernel version (should be 5.10.104-tegra).
   • Test the amidi command on other systems with similar kernel versions to rule out kernel-specific issues.

3. Test Different amidi Versions:

   • Since there is a difference in amidi versions between the two devices, try using an older version of amidi (1.1.3) on the Orin Nano if possible.
   • Alternatively, test newer versions of amidi on other compatible hardware to assess performance.

4. Examine dmesg Logs:

   • After connecting the MIDI controller, run dmesg | tail -n 20 to check for any relevant messages that might indicate USB transaction issues or device recognition problems.

5. Isolate Hardware Issues:

   • Test different USB ports on the Orin Nano.
   • If available, try using another MIDI controller to see if the issue persists.

6. User Configuration Checks:

   • Review setup instructions and ensure no steps were missed during installation.
   • If using third-party software, confirm compatibility with Orin Nano’s specifications.

7. Seek Documentation & Community Support:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for audio setup and development for additional troubleshooting guidance.
   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users facing similar issues.

Recommended Fixes:

• Ensure that Jetpack is fully installed and configured correctly as many users found this resolved their issues with MIDI functionality.

• If problems persist after confirming installation integrity, consider reaching out to Nvidia support for specialized assistance regarding potential bugs in newer software versions.

Best Practices:

• Regularly check for updates to both software tools and firmware that may address known issues.

• Maintain backups of working configurations and document any changes made during troubleshooting for future reference.

Unresolved Aspects:

While several users reported success after ensuring complete installation through SDK Manager, further investigation may be needed into specific incompatibilities between hardware and software versions that could affect broader user experiences with different setups.