Orin Nano Dev Kit Fan Doesn’t Run When in Recovery Mode

Issue Overview

Users have reported that the fan on the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit does not operate when the device is in recovery mode, leading to overheating concerns. The issue manifests as the heat sink becoming quite warm, which raises questions about the device’s thermal management during this state. The problem occurs specifically when the device is not being flashed, as it appears that the fan only activates during the flashing process. This situation is consistent across multiple users and may impact the longevity and reliability of the hardware if not addressed.

Relevant Hardware and Software Specifications

• Device: Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
• Mode: Recovery Mode (RCM)
• Symptoms: Heat sink fan does not run; device becomes warm to the touch.

Possible Causes

1. Firmware Design: The firmware may be intentionally designed to disable the fan during recovery mode to conserve power or due to a lack of operational need for cooling when not actively flashing.
2. Thermal Management Settings: The thermal management system may not recognize recovery mode as a state requiring active cooling, leading to fan inactivity.
3. User Configuration: Users may be unaware of any settings that could enable fan operation during recovery, contributing to confusion about expected behavior.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Confirm Fan Behavior:

   • Verify that the fan operates correctly during the flashing process to ensure it is functioning properly outside of recovery mode.

2. Monitor Temperature:

   • Use a temperature sensor or thermal camera to monitor the heat sink temperature during recovery mode. This can help determine if overheating occurs.

3. Check Firmware Updates:

   • Look for any firmware updates from NVIDIA that might address fan control in recovery mode. Visit NVIDIA’s official documentation or forums for announcements regarding updates.

4. Community Feedback:

   • Engage with NVIDIA’s developer forums to inquire whether other users have experienced similar issues and if any unofficial workarounds exist.

5. Request Feature Change:

   • If necessary, consider submitting feedback to NVIDIA requesting that future firmware updates include an option to enable fan operation during recovery mode.

Recommended Fixes

• Currently, there are no established fixes or workarounds provided by NVIDIA regarding enabling fan operation in recovery mode. However, users can monitor community discussions for potential solutions or updates from NVIDIA.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Regularly check for firmware updates and release notes from NVIDIA to stay informed about any changes that could affect hardware behavior.
• Ensure proper thermal management practices are in place when using devices in recovery mode, such as avoiding prolonged periods without active cooling.

Unresolved Aspects and Further Investigation

• There is ongoing uncertainty regarding whether this behavior is a design choice by NVIDIA or a potential oversight in firmware development.
• Users continue to seek clarification on whether future firmware versions will address this issue and provide options for enabling fan operation during recovery mode.

By following these guidelines, users can better understand the behavior of their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit’s fan operation in recovery mode and take appropriate actions to mitigate overheating risks.