getComponent within a repeat control

I have a view panel within a repeat control that I want to get a handle on the use getSelectedIds()

When I use getComponent() with the view panel name (“viewPanel”), it always gives me the last repeat instance view panel

If I try and use the full client ID (“view:_id1:_id38:tabData:disp_View:_id50:rptStatus:0:viewPanel”), it returns null

HELP!!! How can I ensure I am getting a handle on the correct instance of the view panel?

Mike