Unable to Flash R36 on Orin Nano 8GB Dev Kit Using External Storage

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing difficulties when attempting to flash JetPack 6.0 DP onto the Jetson Orin Nano 8GB Dev Kit using external storage devices, such as NVMe SSDs and Micro SD cards. The symptoms include the flashing process getting stuck or resulting in a "flash failure" error. This issue occurs during the setup phase of flashing the operating system, particularly at the checkpoint "INFO: Flash Jetson Linux – flash: tar: Read checkpoint 490000."

The problem has been reported consistently, with users noting that they successfully flashed other devices, such as the Jetson AGX Orin Dev Kit, without issues. The logs shared by users indicate various errors, including USB-related problems and potential hardware incompatibilities. The impact of this issue significantly hampers user experience, as it prevents users from successfully setting up their development environment.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Issues with the external storage devices (e.g., NVMe SSDs or Micro SD cards) may lead to failures during the flashing process.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Bugs in the JetPack software or conflicts with existing drivers could cause instability during flashing.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the flashing commands may result in failure to recognize the storage device properly.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for USB or storage devices may contribute to the inability to complete the flashing process.

• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or overheating could affect the stability of the flashing process.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Incorrect command usage or misunderstanding of device specifications could lead to unsuccessful attempts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Gather Logs:

   • Collect both host-side and device-side logs to diagnose the issue comprehensively. Use a USB-TTL adapter to access device-side logs if necessary.

2. Check USB Connections:

   • Ensure that all USB cables are functioning correctly. Replace any suspected faulty cables and try different USB ports on your host PC.

3. Test Different Storage Devices:

   • If available, test with alternative NVMe SSDs, Micro SD cards, or USB drives to rule out hardware defects.

4. Use Serial Debug Console:

   • Utilize the Serial Debug Console for real-time logging during the flashing process. This can help identify where the process is getting stuck.

5. Run Flash Commands Based on NVMe Controller:

   • Determine which NVMe controller your SSD is connected to:
     • For c4 controller:

       sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-nvme internal
       

     • For c7 controller:

       sudo UPHYLANE=c7x2 ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-nvme internal
       

6. Flash QSPI First:

   • If previous steps fail, try flashing the QSPI first before attempting to flash the NVMe SSD:

     sudo ./flash.sh -c bootloader/generic/cfg/flash_t234_qspi.xml --no-systemimg jetson-orin-nano-devkit-nvme internal
     

   • After successfully flashing QSPI, reboot into recovery mode and re-run:

     sudo ./flash.sh jetson-orin-nano-devkit-nvme internal
     

7. Monitor Serial Console During Flashing:

   • Keep an eye on serial console outputs while executing flash commands to catch any immediate errors.

8. Check for Firmware Updates:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest version of JetPack and SDKManager. Check NVIDIA’s website for any updates or patches that address known issues with R36.

9. Partition Resizing (if applicable):

   • If users encounter partition size issues post-flashing, utilize resize2fs to extend partitions as needed:

     sudo resize2fs /dev/nvme0n1p1
     

10. Document Unresolved Issues:

    • Note any persistent problems that require further investigation, such as inconsistencies in l4t_init tool functionality with R36.

By following these troubleshooting steps, users have reported varying degrees of success in resolving their issues with flashing JetPack on the Orin Nano Dev Kit.