SDK Manager Does Not Work

Issue Overview

Users are encountering issues while trying to set up the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB using the SDK Manager. After flashing the SDK image onto a 64GB microSD card, users can reach the splash screen prompting for setup. However, during the boot process, the screen goes blank and remains unresponsive. Additionally, when attempting to run the SDK Manager on an Ubuntu 22.04 machine, users receive an error message stating, "Oops, no SDKs configured in your account." This issue has been reported consistently by multiple users and significantly impacts their ability to boot and configure their devices.

Relevant Hardware and Software Specifications

• Device: Jetson Orin Nano 8GB
• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04
• Flashing Method: SDK image flashed onto a 64GB microSD card
• Symptoms: Blank screen after boot; SDK Manager reports no SDKs configured.

Possible Causes

1. Flashing Errors: The microSD card may not have been properly flashed, leading to boot failures.
2. SDK Manager Configuration: The user’s account may not have the necessary SDKs configured, preventing proper operation of the SDK Manager.
3. Compatibility Issues: The version of JetPack being used may not be fully compatible with the current setup or hardware.
4. User Account Issues: There may be problems with the user’s NVIDIA account settings that prevent access to available SDKs.
5. Missing Dependencies: The SDK Manager may require additional packages or dependencies that are not installed on the Ubuntu system.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Verify Flashing Process:

   • Ensure that the SD card was flashed correctly by following these steps:
     • Use a reliable tool like Balena Etcher for flashing.
     • Re-flash the SD card with the latest JetPack image from NVIDIA’s website.

2. Check for Boot Logs:

   • If possible, connect a USB-to-serial adapter to capture boot logs from the Jetson Orin Nano. This can provide insights into what happens during boot.

3. Review SDK Manager Configuration:

   • Log into your NVIDIA account and check if any SDKs are configured.
   • If none are available, consider reconfiguring your account or contacting NVIDIA support for assistance.

4. Install Dependencies:

   • Make sure all necessary dependencies for running the SDK Manager are installed on your Ubuntu system:

     sudo apt-get update
     sudo apt-get install build-essential libgtk-3-dev
     

5. Use Manual Setup in SDK Manager:

   • When using SDK Manager, choose "Manual Setup" to ensure proper configuration of your device.

6. Test with Different Versions of JetPack:

   • If using JetPack 6 (developer preview), consider downgrading to JetPack 5.x as it is more stable for initial setups.

7. Check USB Connections:

   • Ensure that USB connections are secure and that the device is recognized by running:

     lsusb
     

Recommended Fixes

• Users have reported success by re-flashing their SD cards using Balena Etcher and ensuring they are using stable versions of JetPack (e.g., JetPack 5.x).
• If issues persist with SDK Manager, consider using a different host machine or environment (e.g., a non-virtualized Ubuntu installation).

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• Always verify that you are using the latest stable version of JetPack compatible with your hardware.
• Regularly check NVIDIA forums for updates or similar issues encountered by other users.
• Maintain a backup of working SD card images to expedite recovery in case of future issues.

Unresolved Aspects and Further Investigation

• Users continue to seek clarity on why certain configurations lead to blank screens during boot.
• There is ongoing discussion about potential bugs in the SDK Manager that may need addressing by NVIDIA support.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, users can better navigate issues related to setting up their Jetson Orin Nano with the SDK Manager and ensure successful booting of their devices.