SDK Manager Doesn’t Detect Jetson Orin Nano in Recovery Mode

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties with the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit, specifically when attempting to flash the device using the SDK Manager. The primary symptom is that the SDK Manager fails to detect the board while it is in recovery mode, displaying the error message “Could not detect a board.” This issue occurs under the following conditions:

• Host Environment: The user is operating on an x86_64 Ubuntu 22.04 system with SDK Manager version 2.0.0.11405.
• Connection Method: The Jetson board is connected to the host via a USB-C cable, and a 19V power adapter is used.
• Recovery Steps: Users have attempted to enter recovery mode by shorting FC REC to GND on the Button Header and have verified that the device appears in the lsusb output as "NVIDIA Corp. APX."
• Serial Output: There is no serial output when in recovery mode, although output is visible when not in recovery mode.
• Frequency: This issue appears consistently across multiple attempts and has been reported by several users.
• User Experience Impact: The inability to flash the device severely hampers development efforts, leading to frustration and delays.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects:

   • If there are issues with the USB-C cable or power supply, it may prevent proper detection of the board.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts:

   • SDK Manager may have bugs that affect its ability to recognize devices in recovery mode, particularly on specific OS versions.

3. Configuration Errors:

   • Incorrect configurations during setup, such as improper pin connections or failure to follow recovery mode protocols.

4. Driver Issues:

   • Outdated or incompatible drivers on the host system can lead to communication failures between the SDK Manager and Jetson board.

5. Environmental Factors:

   • Power supply inconsistencies or temperature variations might affect device performance during flashing.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations:

   • Mistakes in following flashing procedures can lead to detection failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Connections:

   • Ensure that all connections (USB-C and power) are secure and functioning properly.
   • Test with a different USB-C cable if possible.

2. Check for Device Recognition:

   • Run lsusb on the host machine to confirm that the Jetson board is recognized as "NVIDIA Corp. APX" in recovery mode.

3. Enter Recovery Mode via Terminal:

   • Attempt entering recovery mode directly from the terminal using:

     sudo reboot --force forced-recovery
     

   • This method has been suggested by users who found success with it.

4. Disable USB Autosuspend:

   • Some users reported that disabling USB autosuspend helped resolve detection issues:

     echo 'on' | sudo tee /sys/module/usbcore/parameters/autosuspend
     

5. Reinstall SDK Manager:

   • If issues persist, consider removing and reinstalling SDK Manager:

     sudo apt remove sdkmanager
     sudo apt install ~/dl/sdkmanager_2.0.0-11405_amd64.deb
     

6. Use Command Line Flashing Tools:

   • If SDK Manager fails, try using command-line tools such as tegrarcm_v2 for flashing:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit mmcblk0p1
     

   • Monitor for any error messages during this process.

7. Check for Missing Files:

   • Ensure that all necessary files are present in your BSP (Board Support Package). Missing configuration files can lead to detection failures.

8. Consult Documentation & Community Forums:

   • Refer to NVIDIA’s official documentation for additional guidance and troubleshooting steps.
   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users who faced similar issues.

9. Log Exporting for Further Analysis:

   • If problems persist after trying these steps, export logs from SDK Manager using the “EXPORT LOGS” feature for further analysis by NVIDIA support.

10. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

    • Always ensure that you are using compatible hardware and software versions.
    • Regularly check for updates to both SDK Manager and your operating system.
    • Follow official guides closely during setup and flashing processes.

If multiple users report success with a particular solution, such as entering recovery mode via terminal or disabling USB autosuspend, highlight those methods as recommended approaches for others facing similar issues.