Jetson Nano IMX477 12MP camera fails with 15m cable extension kit

Nvidia Jetson Cameras
1

I’m having trouble getting my Arducam HQ Camera (IMX477) for Jetson Nano to work with the 15-meter cable extension kit (U6248). I’m running compile.sh and getting these errors:

VIDIOC_S_CTRL: Invalid argument
setVideoMode ***WARNING*** TOFCamera: Could not set current frame format
Failed to start camera

The camera works fine without the extension kit, but as soon as I connect it through the extension cable, it fails. I’m using a Jetson Nano and following the instructions from Getting Started: Arducam ToF Camera & CSI-to-LAN Kit – for Jetson Nano/Xavier NX - Arducam Wiki. Any idea what’s going on?

2

Thanks for reaching out. I think I see the issue - you’re following the Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera module instructions, but you’re using the HQ Camera (IMX477). These are completely different camera types with different drivers and setup procedures.

Can you please try following the correct HQ camera instructions instead? Here’s the quick start guide for native cameras:

https://docs.arducam.com/Nvidia-Jetson-Camera/Native-Camera/Quick-Start-Guide/#install-driver

You’ll need to install the IMX477 camera driver specifically. After that, try connecting the extension kit again and see if the issue persists. Also, could you confirm:

  1. Are you connecting via SSH or do you have a display connected?
  2. What power supply are you using for the Jetson Nano? (Should be 5V/4A)
3

Ah, I didn’t realize I was following the wrong guide! I’ll switch to the HQ camera instructions and install the IMX477 driver.

To answer your questions:

  • I’m using SSH to connect to the Jetson Nano, no display attached.
  • Power supply is 5V/4A.

I’ll give the correct instructions a try and report back. Should I run any specific commands to check if the driver installed correctly?

4

Good questions! After installing the driver, here’s what I’d recommend:

  1. First, check if the camera is detected:

    ls /dev/video0

  2. Install the ‘pick’ plugin and run our test script:

    sudo pip install pick==1.3.0

    Then download and run start.py, selecting IMX477 and a resolution.

  3. If you’re using SSH without a display, you may need to connect a display for preview commands to work properly. Try connecting a monitor and running the test again.

Also, double-check your hardware connection - make sure the FFC cable is oriented correctly with the metal contacts facing the right direction on both ends. We have a guide with reference images showing the proper connection. The cable should NOT heat up at all when powered on - if it does, that indicates a short or incorrect connection.

5

Just following up - the root cause was definitely the wrong instructions. The ToF camera and HQ camera use completely different drivers and initialization sequences.

Here’s the confirmed solution that works:

  1. Follow the correct guide: Use the Native Camera Quick Start Guide for the IMX477, NOT the ToF instructions.

  2. Install the IMX477 driver as described in that guide.

  3. Hardware connection matters: Ensure the FFC cable is properly seated with contacts facing the correct direction. The extension kit should be connected exactly as shown in the official hardware connection video.

  4. Power requirements: Jetson Nano needs 5V/4A when using the extension kit. A lower power supply can cause the camera to fail.

  5. If using SSH: Some preview commands may not work over SSH without a display. Connect a monitor if needed, or use the start.py test script which works without a display.

Once you follow the HQ camera instructions and install the correct driver, the IMX477 should work fine with the U6248 extension kit. Let us know if you’re still running into issues!