Orin Nano Cannot Use SD Card to Burn

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit using an SD card. The main symptoms include:

• Error Messages: Users receive error messages during the flashing process, specifically when using the SD card, while flashing via NVMe works without issues.
• Context of the Issue: The problem arises during the setup phase when users utilize the SDK Manager and the ./flash.sh script to burn the system onto the SD card.
• Hardware Specifications: Some users have reported using a 32GB SD card, while others suggest switching to a 64GB card for testing.
• Frequency of Occurrence: The issue seems to be consistent for multiple users, particularly after recent updates or changes in the flashing method.
• Impact on User Experience: This problem hampers users’ ability to set up their devices effectively, leading to frustration and delays in development.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: There may be issues with specific SD card brands or sizes that are incompatible with the Orin Nano.
• Software Bugs: Bugs within the SDK Manager or flashing scripts could lead to errors during the burning process.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the flashing command or XML files could prevent successful writing to the SD card.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incorrect drivers may affect communication between the host and the Orin Nano during flashing.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could disrupt the flashing process.
• User Errors: Misconfigurations in commands or improper setup procedures may contribute to the issue.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue of not being able to use an SD card for burning, users can follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Flashing Command:

   • Ensure that you are using the correct command for flashing. For example:

     sudo ./tools/kernel_flash/l4t_initrd_flash.sh --external-device mmcblk1p1 \
     -c tools/kernel_flash/flash_l4t_external.xml -p "-c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml" \
     --showlogs --network usb0 jetson-orin-nano-devkit internal
     

2. Check Flashing Logs:

   • Review logs generated by SDK Manager for any specific error messages that can guide troubleshooting. Use the "EXPORT LOGS" feature in SDK Manager.

3. Test with Different SD Cards:

   • If using a 32GB card, try switching to a 64GB card as some users have reported success with larger capacity cards.

4. Use Serial Debug Console:

   • Connect via a serial debug console to capture detailed logs during the flashing process. This can provide insights into where the process fails.

5. Update SDK Manager and JetPack:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of SDK Manager and JetPack. Sometimes newer versions fix existing bugs.

6. Re-flash Using Different Methods:

   • If problems persist, consider using alternative methods such as directly flashing from a different OS (Windows/Linux) or trying different USB ports/cables.

7. Check Power Supply and Connections:

   • Ensure that your power supply is adequate and that all connections are secure. An unstable power source can lead to failures during flashing.

8. Consult Documentation and Forums:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates regarding known issues with SD card flashing on Orin Nano. Engage with community forums for additional insights from other users facing similar challenges.

9. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly update software and firmware.
   • Maintain backups of working configurations.
   • Test new hardware components in isolation before integrating them into your setup.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to flashing their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit via SD card.