The Dmde software has regular updates.
That IO error script only works with the paid for version but you would also have to purchase the power controller.
Anyway the free Dmde software will allow imaging to file or to a drive. Using the Device Access Parameters function the retry count etc can be set in advance but unfortunately not while the programme is running. I personally think the free software is a great little package and well worth a try out. I don't know anybody with the paid for version & power controller but I think for occasional use with your work it would be a very usefull cost effective tool. Probably best to avoid the beta versions!
http://www.dmde.pl/sklep/?download,27The power controller would also work with the Hdduplicator imaging app which runs in Dos. Hdduplicator always looked promising but there appears to be a lack of support and information about it. There is a minimal amount of info on the dmde website.