Project Overview
Brink Design completed a full exterior camera upgrade at the Mountain View Wendy's location in Rapid City, SD. The objective was straightforward: improve coverage, modernize recording infrastructure, and ensure reliable monitoring of high-traffic exterior areas including the drive-thru, building perimeter, and roofline approaches.
This install focused on durability, clean integration, and long-term serviceability—not just mounting cameras on a wall.
Scope of Work
The project included:
- Replacement and repositioning of exterior surveillance cameras
- Installation of exterior audible alert / deterrent device
- Clean surface-mounted conduit runs to protect cabling
- Integration into an upgraded DVR and network switching environment
- Proper weatherproofing and cable management
- Final aiming, testing, and recording validation
Exterior Camera Placement & Coverage Strategy
The Mountain View location presents a typical QSR (quick service restaurant) challenge: drive-thru traffic, public parking, multiple exterior elevations, and limited mounting options due to brick and architectural overhangs.
Elevated Perimeter Mounting
Cameras were mounted high on the facade to:
- Reduce vandalism risk
- Improve line of sight for wide-area coverage
- Capture vehicle plate angles in the drive-thru approach
- Monitor roofline and equipment areas
The cameras are mounted on the architectural vertical facade elements rather than directly into brick wherever possible. This approach:
- Simplifies anchoring
- Reduces long-term masonry damage
- Provides a clean visual finish
Integrated Audible Alert Device
Alongside the camera, a weather-rated horn speaker was installed. This provides:
- Remote live deterrent capability
- Triggered alerts if needed
- Added loss prevention support for after-hours monitoring
For QSR environments, visible cameras combined with audible deterrent capability significantly reduce loitering and nuisance behavior.
Structured Cabling & Conduit Work
Exterior cabling was routed using surface-mounted metallic conduit where appropriate. This accomplishes:
- Physical protection from weather and tampering
- Clean, professional appearance
- Code-compliant routing
- Long-term durability
Penetrations were sealed and weatherproofed properly. All cable entry points were strain-relieved and secured to prevent sagging or wind stress.
This is one of the key differences between a temporary install and a permanent commercial deployment.
Network & Recording Infrastructure
Inside, the system was integrated into a dedicated surveillance stack:
- 24-port managed network switch
- Segmented camera VLAN / DMZ labeling
- Rack-mounted DVR with high-capacity storage
- Proper cable management and labeling
Clean internal infrastructure matters. Surveillance systems fail more often from poor network design than from bad cameras.
The system is now:
- Structured
- Labeled
- Serviceable
- Ready for expansion if needed
Why This Matters for Restaurants
For quick-service restaurants like Wendy's, surveillance isn't just about theft prevention. It supports:
- Employee safety
- Drive-thru dispute resolution
- Slip and fall documentation
- After-hours perimeter monitoring
- Insurance compliance
When systems are properly installed and documented, footage retrieval becomes fast and reliable—not a guessing game.
Final Result
The Mountain View Wendy's location now has:
- Elevated, properly aimed perimeter cameras
- Visible deterrent hardware
- Clean interior rack infrastructure
- Reliable recording capacity
Just a solid, commercial-grade system built to last.
