ZFW controller described a busy/complex mid shift operation that included HOST/DSARC transition/s; indicating lack of mid operation familiarity added to the confused traffic period.

Narrative

I was asked to work the midnight shift. Normally I do not work the mids; so I'm somewhat unfamiliar with the revised operations. Additionally; we learned that we were going into DARC operations that evening. There was a line of weather extending from East of PNH to approximately LBL; causing additional aircraft to be routed through SPS-H and TUR-H (I was on position at TURKI-HR). I had time to familiarize myself with DARC operations in regards to switching from HOST to DARC; however; once we were in DARC I was consistently busy and was unable to familiarize myself with the necessary operations to convert back from DARC to HOST. In the transition back to host; I ran into certain problems which put my behind and caused a highly unsafe situation. For one; my lack of knowledge about the HOST transition put me at an immediate disadvantage. Although I have worked a mid shift with DARC; I was unable to recall the procedure. When I asked for help from the controller working SPS-H he was unable to assist due to his own workload. Additionally; many of the aircraft were already on or near the boundary from Albuquerque Center at nearly the same time. Earlier; I had made strips on some of the aircraft on new to be entering my sector but was unable to ensure flight plan information on all of them. There were an increased number of aircraft in my sector resulting from weather deviations around PNH. The land lines were ringing consistently as airplanes were checking on. There was also a code change I needed to issue to an air carrier but for whatever reason; the aircraft either didn't check on or wasn't listening so I was unable to start a track. This all was happening as controllers from other areas were dropping strips on my lap; as we do not have a strip bay on that position. Another problem was that because I didn't get out of DARC as quickly as the surrounding sectors; information was not being passed in a timely manner. I firmly believe that fatigue had a roll in this situation as well. I was on position all evening as was tired from running strip; and copying flight plans. Although I was offered a break prior to the event; I declined and didn't request the controller stay to assist because I didn't realize the extent of the work to come. Recommendation; 1. Do not transition from HOST to DARC on evening with weather. 2. Require D-sides on the mid if there is weather and/or a DARC transition. 3. Do not transition from DARC back to HOST with a slew of aircraft near the boundary.