![NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit]({"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jt-o2nDAL._AC_SS130_.jpg":[130,130],"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jt-o2nDAL._AC_SS260_.jpg":[260,260],"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jt-o2nDAL._AC_SS390_.jpg":[390,390]})
This is very nice hardware. The kit runs Ubuntu 14.04 LTS out of pre-loaded flash memory. 14.04 is pretty mainstream. Host (PC) requirements are also Ununtu 14.04 LTS. The host is the documentation repository, and provides software and updates to the TX1. So I have to re-purpose my re-purposed 14.04 box yet again. I won't try hosting in a virtual machine, as the use of USB to flash updates to the TX1 seems unlikely to work, and there is a risk of bricking the TX1.
It took several days to get to the startup screen - likely a problem with an older but never used HDMI cable. My TX1 does not boot on power-on, I have to press the power-on button (see the "Quick Start Guide"). 2 LED's come on, the fan spins momentarily, and after about 4 seconds you get boot text on the monitor. Yes, you need an HDMI monitor, at least to set it up. After that you can ssh over your LAN. The USB1 port supports USB hubs, so you can use both a USB mouse and keyboard. The micro USB0 port is for flashing only (cable included). Nvidia has some web tutorials for the TX1 now (they didn't when I first got it).
Software and documentation: You must register as an embedded system developer to get most documentation, host software, and software updates. To get access to the very good embedded systems forum, you must register separately. I've been a registered developer for some months, and have not been spammed by Nvidia. Nvidia's web site is a challenge. Keep grinding, you'll find stuff eventually. There is an entire ecosystem of software yet to learn and install, before you can use the TX1 for machine learning, image classification, etc. I'll update this review when I've done that (in a month or 3).
The startup screen lists steps and commands to setup the Ubuntu GUI and full environment. DHCP works before setup, gets a local IP address for a ping, but the TX1 host name does not ping. You do have basic command line Linux before setup, so you can set a fixed IP address, etc. using ifconfig. If you have a good HDMI cable.
The "Quick Start Guide" is just that. The "User Guide" is legal boilerplate in many languages, none of which are readable. The "Jetpak" package download of documentation, environment and software requires 14.04 on the host to run (decompress and install).
I believe that I will have a lot of fun with the TX1.
UPDATE for JetPack (registration with NVIDIA required): Installing that is an all day/night job. There are gobs of software and development tools in the pack. Large network downloads are part of the process.
Jetpack over-writes everything, so if you customized the out of the box TX1 Ubuntu ( as I did, to make sure all the hardware worked) you lose those settings.
The JetPack installer throws out a lot of terminal and xterm and GUI windows on the host (PC). I installed it with a small low-res monitor (1240x768), and it was not pleasant. Use a big hi-resolution monitor or 2.
The NVIDIA documentation on "run" the JetPack .run leaves out the "./" (no space) in front of the command which was required on my Ubuntu host PC. Don't know why, but without the ./ it did not begin to execute.
The TX1 Ubuntu plays better with my LAN and workgroup than my host Ubantu. Some quirks - eg computer settings assert 32-bit OS while 8GB memory is in use.
NVIDIA needs to clarify - where should the TX1 download software security fixes and patches.
Only 1/3 of the demo software launches, but those that do look good.
| Brand | NVIDIA |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 945-82371-0000-000 |
| Item Weight | 3.39 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 8.75 x 8.25 x 4.75 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.75 x 8.25 x 4.75 inches |
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR SDRAM |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| ASIN | B017NWO6LG |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | November 11, 2015 |
