Ubuntu Version Compatibility for Jetson Nano Dev Kit

Issue Overview

Users of the Jetson Nano Developer Kit are encountering limitations with the Ubuntu operating system version. Specifically:

• The default SD card image for Jetson Nano comes with Ubuntu 18.04.
• Users are seeking to use a more recent Ubuntu version, such as 20.04, for access to newer Python versions and to align with current production environments.
• There is confusion about the availability of Ubuntu 20.04 for the Jetson Nano device.
• The SDK Manager doesn’t show available products to install when the Nano is in recovery mode.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware limitations: The Jetson Nano is based on older architecture (TX1), which may not support newer Ubuntu versions.
2. End-of-life status: The Jetson Nano has reached the end of its life cycle for new feature development, limiting OS upgrades.
3. Misunderstanding of device capabilities: Users may be unaware of the specific limitations of their Jetson device model.
4. Incorrect device identification: Confusion between Jetson Nano and Orin Nano, which have different OS support.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify your device model:

   • Confirm whether you have a Jetson Nano or an Orin Nano. This is crucial as they have different OS support.

2. Check OS compatibility:

   • For Jetson Nano: Only Ubuntu 18.04 is officially supported.
   • For Orin Nano: Ubuntu 20.04 is supported.

3. If you need Ubuntu 20.04 or newer:

   • Consider upgrading to a Xavier or Orin series Jetson device, as these support more recent Ubuntu versions.

4. For Jetson Nano users who require newer Python versions:

   • While staying on Ubuntu 18.04, use Python version management tools like pyenv or conda to install and manage newer Python versions without upgrading the entire OS.

5. If SDK Manager doesn’t show available products:

   • Ensure your device is properly detected in recovery mode.
   • Check your internet connection and try refreshing the SDK Manager.
   • Verify that you’re using the latest version of SDK Manager.

6. For production environments:

   • If Ubuntu 20.04 or newer is a strict requirement, plan to transition to Xavier or Orin series devices for future deployments.

7. Stay informed about Jetson product lifecycle:

   • Regularly check NVIDIA’s official Jetson documentation and forums for updates on supported software and end-of-life announcements.

8. Consider alternative solutions:

   • If possible, adapt your development and production workflows to work within the constraints of Ubuntu 18.04 on the Jetson Nano.
   • Explore containerization technologies like Docker to run newer software versions on top of the base 18.04 system.

Remember, while it’s not possible to upgrade the Jetson Nano to Ubuntu 20.04, you can still develop and run many applications effectively on the supported 18.04 version. If your project absolutely requires newer Ubuntu versions, upgrading to a more recent Jetson model would be necessary.