SDK Manager 1.9.3.10904 Installation Failed with JetPack 5.1.2

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing installation failures while attempting to use the SDK Manager 1.9.3.10904 with JetPack 5.1.2 for the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The primary error message indicates that certain configurations, specifically related to /misc/tsc_controls, are not supported, leading to a failure in the flashing process. This issue arises during the setup phase, particularly when users select only Jetson Linux and follow the manual operation flow to enter recovery mode.

Symptoms:

• Error messages stating that certain configuration files are not supported.
• Flashing process stops abruptly with errors related to USB write timeouts and board information parsing failures.

Context:

• The problem occurs during the installation of Jetson Linux via SDK Manager.
• Users have reported varying success based on different hardware setups and configurations.

Frequency:

• The issue appears to be consistent among multiple users, particularly those using Ubuntu 20.04.

Impact:

• The inability to successfully flash the operating system hampers user experience and functionality, preventing users from utilizing their development kits effectively.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities:

   • Certain host PCs may not be fully compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano, especially if they are running Ubuntu 20.04.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • There may be bugs in the SDK Manager or conflicts with existing software on the host machine.

3. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect settings during the flashing process can lead to unsupported configurations being attempted.

4. Driver Issues:

   • Outdated or incompatible USB drivers on the host PC can cause communication problems during flashing.

5. Environmental Factors:

   • USB cable quality or port issues can lead to write timeouts and failures in detecting the board.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations:

   • Incorrectly entering recovery mode or failing to follow proper procedures can result in installation failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check USB Connections:

   • Try different USB cables and ports to ensure a stable connection.

2. Use Compatible Operating System:

   • If using Ubuntu 20.04, consider switching to Ubuntu 18.04 as some users reported better success with this version.

3. Disable USB Autosuspend:

   • Run the following command on your host PC:

     sudo -s
     echo -1 > /sys/module/usbcore/parameters/autosuspend
     

4. Reboot Host PC:

   • Restart your host computer and reconnect the USB cable multiple times to see if it resolves detection issues.

5. Reenter Recovery Mode:

   • Ensure that the Jetson Orin Nano is correctly placed into recovery mode by shorting pins 9 and 10 on the button header while powering on.

6. Flash QSPI Memory Individually:

   • If using an SD card, consider flashing the QSPI memory separately:

     sudo ./flash.sh --no-systemimg -c bootloader/t186ref/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk1p1
     

7. Use Pre-built SD Card Image:

   • Download and use a pre-built SD card image from NVIDIA’s website if available:
     JetPack SD Card Image

8. Check for Serial Console Output:

   • If problems persist, check for any output from a serial console during bootup for more detailed error messages.

Recommended Solutions

• Multiple users have successfully resolved similar issues by disabling USB autosuspend and ensuring proper recovery mode entry.
• Using a different host PC configuration has also yielded positive results for some users.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Always ensure that you are using compatible hardware and software versions.
• Regularly check for updates in SDK Manager and JetPack versions before starting new installations.
• Maintain good quality USB cables and connections during setup processes.

Additional Resources

• For further documentation on flashing procedures, refer to NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide.
• Consider exploring community forums for additional troubleshooting tips and shared user experiences related to specific hardware configurations.

Unresolved Aspects

While many solutions have been proposed, some users still face persistent issues that may require deeper investigation into specific hardware compatibility or potential software bugs within SDK Manager itself. Further community feedback may provide additional insights into these ongoing challenges.