[dkfick]

Sometimes brewing beer is a bear! What a night, I don't think I ever activated my pack properly, re-smacked at around 9 PM, seems good now. Also, accidentaly dipped my DME/water mixture into my ice bath so drain poured the whole thing.
I'll try again in the morning, hoping it's not an issue waiting 8 hours or so w. the yeast activated.
FWIW, settled on 1 cup of DME to 2 quarts of water. Thanks to morticaixavier for the messages!

Yeah you can wait no problem... Technically when making a starter you don't have to smack the pack at all.  I typically skip it with mine.