Something like http://ethersex.de/index.php/BitfehlerASK for control power switches for example.

Would be pointless with “nothing but IR” of course, but RF transceivers (for which to be toggled by software instead of IR the PIC even has some leftover pins) could be driven by LIRC too, simply using the base-band TTL (as the 433&868 MHz AM transceivers at just dollars apiece have their own internal oscillators), in order to end up with something like the http://mediola.com albeit in a much less expensive and more flexible way – and hence combine cheap RF-controlled sockets/dimmers/roller blinds motors etc. with IR gear, e.g. to set up the entire home cinema with just one button or even a “Star Trek style” voice command.

I realize this might cost more than the kit, but if you’re like me then there is a benefit besides price when you can use parts that you have. That’s more environmental and saves the landfill from accumulating electronics.

What I always do is hit Mouser. Start with a search for BAS16HT1G, and when you click on the Mouser part #, you’ll be given the opportunity to search for similar replacements. In this case, Mouser uses SOD-323 as the package / case. You can basically turn off the checkbox for everything else, because you don’t care about brand or other overly specific values. In the results that appear after clicking “Show Similar,” I tend to sort by price and then start narrowing down the options. Mouser finds about 425 options that would fit the PCB.

The actual selection process can be a little tricky. I recommend keeping a browser window open on the original part, and then use it as a guide to narrow things down in the search results. For example, after selecting general purpose diodes in the search results, I see recovery times of 4 ns, 6 ns, and 50 ns. Since the original part is 6 ns, I just select 4 ns and 6 ns to weed out the slower 50 ns diodes, just in case speed is important. Meanwhile, the lowest voltage is 70V and the smallest current is 150mA, so probably anything will do. If you’re concerned, then start specifying more values to narrow the results.

You’ll note that there is a 1N4148 in SOD-323 as part of the results.

If you want to speed up the process, the Mouser part # page for the original part will update the number of similar parts Found as you check or uncheck different specifications, so you can quickly experiment with how precise you want the match.