The fresh new Orin Nano Dev Kit failed to boot

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing boot failures with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Kit, where the device does not boot from the SDXC card and instead exits into the UEFI shell. Symptoms include:

• The UEFI settings display zero RAM.
• A warning message stating, "The test key detected."
• Users have attempted to flash multiple SD cards, including one that previously worked with an older Nano model, but have not achieved success.

This issue appears to occur during the initial setup phase, particularly when following the getting started guide. The problem has been reported consistently by users attempting to boot their new development kits, significantly impacting their ability to utilize the hardware for development purposes.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The device may have manufacturing defects or compatibility issues with certain SD cards.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There could be bugs in the firmware or conflicts between the UEFI settings and the operating system.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the UEFI firmware might prevent proper booting.

• Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers could lead to hardware not being recognized during boot.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect boot performance.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Improper flashing of the SD card or incorrect setup steps could lead to boot failures.

Each of these causes can contribute to the inability of the Orin Nano Dev Kit to complete its boot process effectively.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Re-flash the SD Card:

   • Use the SDK Manager to ensure that you are using the latest software version.
   • Follow these steps:
     • Connect your SD card to your computer.
     • Open SDK Manager and select your target device.
     • Choose "Flash OS" and follow prompts to re-flash the image onto your SD card.

2. Check UEFI Settings:

   • Access UEFI settings during boot by pressing a designated key (usually F2 or DEL).
   • Verify that RAM is detected correctly. If it shows zero RAM, this could indicate a hardware issue.

3. Test Different SD Cards:

   • Ensure that you are using compatible SDXC cards. Some users have reported issues with specific brands or models.
   • If possible, test with a known working SD card from another device.

4. Inspect Power Supply:

   • Ensure that your power supply meets the specifications required for the Orin Nano Dev Kit.
   • Check for any signs of damage or overheating in both the power supply and device.

5. Firmware Updates:

   • Check for any available firmware updates for your Orin Nano Dev Kit that may address known issues.
   • Follow official documentation for updating firmware if necessary.

6. User Documentation Review:

   • Revisit the getting started guide provided by Nvidia to ensure all steps were followed correctly.
   • Pay special attention to any prerequisites mentioned regarding hardware and software configurations.

7. Community Support:

   • If issues persist after trying these steps, consider reaching out on forums or community support channels for additional insights and shared experiences from other users.

8. Recommended Approach:

   • Several users have found success by re-flashing their devices with SDK Manager; this is highly recommended as a first troubleshooting step.

No unresolved aspects were noted in this discussion; however, further investigation may be needed if hardware defects are suspected after following all troubleshooting steps.