This guide is designed to flash an OS image on a factory conditioned Jetson ready to install the SAFR Platform.

If the Jetson device is not in a factory state any existing OS image will be overwritten.


What is Jetson


NVIDIA® Jetson™ systems provide the performance and power efficiency to run autonomous machines software, faster and with less power. Each is a complete System-on-Module (SOM), with CPU, GPU, PMIC, DRAM, and flash storage—saving development time and money. Jetson is also extensible. Just select the SOM that’s right for the application, and build the custom system around it to meet its specific needs.


Requirements

  • USB Hub

  • Monitor with HDMI connectivity

  • USB Mouse/Keyboard (Combination device is recommended and means no hub is required)

  • Ethernet cable

  • Jetson Dev Kit



Hardware Setup

  • Prepare Ubuntu 18.04 desktop

If running in a VM ensure USB is configured for 3.0

  • Create an NVIDIA Developer account [Skip if already done previously]

  • Download and install SDK Manager on Ubuntu Desktop

  • Connect Jetson device to Ubuntu server using provided USB cable (This is required for OS flashing process).

    • TX2 connects to Micro USB connector

    • Xavier connects to USB-C on front (next to power LED)

  • Connect Monitor via HDMI cable

  • Connect USB Hub to USB port

    • If required there is a USB-A to USB-C conversion cable supplied in the kit

  • Connect Mouse and Keyboard to USB hub

  • Connect Ethernet cable to Ethernet port

  • Connect the AC adapter supplied in your kit to the power connector of your device

  • Place Jetson in Forced Recovery Mode (The location of the buttons is device specific).

    • Remove and insert the power connector

    • Xavier

      • Press and hold RECOVERY FORCE button

      • Press POWER button (2 seconds) and release

      • Wait a few seconds and release the RECOVERY FORCE button

    • TX2

      • Press and hold RECOVERY FORCE button

      • While depressing the RECOVERY FORCE button, press and release the RESET button

      • Wait 2 seconds and release the RECOVERY FORCE button

  • VM Specific action to connect USB

    • From the menu select Devices -> USB -> NVIDIA USB

    • NVIDIA USB device should appear on Ubuntu machine

      • Execute lsusb from a terminal window and verify entry exists for NVIDIA

    • NOTE: On a VM if you don’t see the NVIDIA device then re-connect your USB cable and repeat the recover mode process.

  • Run SDK Manager (requires login with NVIDIA Developer credentials).

    • Step 1

      • Select the Target HW

      • Select JetPack 4.3

      • Make sure DeepStream is not selected

      • Click continue

    • Step 2

      • Uncheck Jetson SDK Components box

      • Check Terms and Conditions box

      • Click continue

    • Step 3

      • SDK Manager will not download and prepare the OS image

      • If Ubuntu is a VM check that the USB device is still connected

        • Reconnect if not checked or missing from lsusb

      • Once setup is complete the Jetson device will reboot


Post Setup

  • Using on-screen instructions on the monitor to compete the setup process

    • Select Language options

    • Select timezone

    • Provide initial user credentials

  • Jetson device will reboot once more and will present a login screen on the monitor.


Install SAFR Platform

Download and run the Jetson SAFR Platform Installer script.