Orin Nano System Installation Failure

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing installation failures while attempting to set up the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. The primary symptoms include unsuccessful flashing attempts using both the SDK Manager and command-line methods, leading to a non-functional system. This issue arises during the initial setup phase with the following specifications:

• Hardware: Jetson Orin Nano (4GB/8GB) with a carrier board designed for Jetson Xavier NX.
• Software: JetPack 5.1.1.
• Frequency: The issue appears consistently for multiple users, indicating a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents.
• Impact: The inability to flash the operating system prevents users from utilizing the device for development purposes, significantly hindering their projects.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities: The Orin Nano is not fully supported on carrier boards designed for other Jetson models (e.g., Xavier NX), which may lead to flashing failures.
2. Software Bugs: Issues within JetPack 5.1.1 or SDK Manager could contribute to the failures during the flashing process.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the SDK Manager or improper use of recovery mode can prevent successful installations.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may hinder communication between the host system and the Orin Nano.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or overheating could disrupt the flashing process.
6. User Errors: Misconfigurations during setup, such as incorrect pin connections for recovery mode, may lead to failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnosing the Problem:

   • Ensure that the board is in recovery mode before attempting to flash using SDK Manager.
   • Use terminal commands to gather logs:

     lsusb
     dmesg | grep -i nvidia
     

2. Flashing Process:

   • Attempt to flash using the command line as an alternative to SDK Manager:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-qspi mmcblk1p1
     

   • If using SDK Manager, ensure that you select manual setup and check that your board is detected properly.

3. Configuration Checks:

   • Verify that all necessary dependencies and packages are installed on your host system (Ubuntu 20.04 recommended).
   • Ensure that you are using a compatible version of JetPack (5.x recommended over 6.x for stability).

4. Testing with Different Setups:

   • Try using different USB ports or cables to connect your Jetson board to your host computer.
   • If possible, test with another host machine or operating system version.

5. Updating Drivers and Firmware:

   • Check for any available updates for SDK Manager and JetPack software.
   • Download and install any relevant driver updates from NVIDIA’s official site.

6. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always ensure that you are using a compatible carrier board designed specifically for the Orin Nano.
   • Regularly check for updates in both hardware compatibility and software versions before starting new projects.

7. Recommended Solutions from Users:

   • Several users reported success by reverting to JetPack 5.x instead of attempting installations with JetPack 6.x, which is still in developer preview.

8. Unresolved Issues:

   • Some users continue to face issues even after following these steps, indicating potential deeper systemic problems that may require further investigation from NVIDIA support.

By following these guidelines, users should be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the installation of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board effectively.