Setting up & running sample app on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties in setting up and running sample applications on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The primary symptoms include errors related to CUDA versions during the execution of sample applications within Docker containers, specifically errors indicating a mismatch between the required CUDA version (>= 12.6) and the installed version (12.2). This issue arises during the setup process, particularly after attempting to run a sample app using the DeepStream version 7.1 and JetPack version 6.1. Users have reported inconsistent results, with some successfully updating firmware and booting the system while others encounter persistent errors during flashing and setup. The impact on user experience is significant, as many users find themselves unable to proceed with their intended projects due to these technical hurdles.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues may arise from using non-official carrier boards or incompatible hardware setups, leading to boot failures or errors during application execution.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The use of JetPack 6.1, which is still in developer preview, may contain unresolved bugs that affect stability and compatibility with existing applications.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in Docker or DeepStream settings can lead to encoding errors and failure to run applications as intended.

• Driver Issues: Mismatched or outdated drivers for CUDA and other components can cause version conflicts, preventing applications from running correctly.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could contribute to system instability during operation.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings or follow incorrect installation procedures, leading to setup failures.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Compatibility:

   • Ensure that you are using an official Nvidia Orin Nano Developer Kit and compatible accessories.
   • Check if any third-party carrier boards are causing issues; consider switching to official hardware if possible.

2. Update Software Components:

   • Confirm that you are using the latest version of JetPack (currently JetPack 6.1) and DeepStream (7.1).
   • Reinstall CUDA by following the installation guide provided in the DeepStream README.

3. Run Diagnostic Commands:

   • Use the following command to check CUDA installation:

     nvcc --version
     

   • Verify that all necessary packages are installed by executing:

     ./user_additional_install.sh
     

4. Flashing the Device:

   • When flashing, ensure that the board is in recovery mode by connecting pins 9 and 10 correctly.
   • Use the SDK Manager for flashing instead of SD card images; select "Manual Setup" during the process.
   • If errors occur during flashing, export logs for analysis:

     sdkmanager --export-logs
     

5. Modify Configuration Files:

   • If encountering encoding errors, disable hardware encoding in your configuration file temporarily to isolate the issue.

6. Testing Sample Applications:

   • After successful setup, test with simple sample applications provided in the DeepStream SDK documentation.
   • Modify sample apps as needed based on your hardware configuration.

7. Seek Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums for additional troubleshooting advice and share your logs for more targeted help.
   • Look into existing threads discussing similar issues for potential solutions that have worked for others.

8. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always back up your configurations before making changes.
   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding JetPack and DeepStream releases.
   • Document your setup process to identify steps that may lead to issues in future installations.

By following these comprehensive steps, users should be able to diagnose and resolve common issues encountered when setting up their Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.