Comms Problem

[Mariner123]

Hi,

I'm having trouble using the comms panel. I have googled and seasched and found no answers.
When I selct the comms panel by pushing "2" and then try to navigate the options at the top (speech bubble, figure outline, envelope, cog) it just enters q or e in the message field and I can't for the life of me work out how to use this panel properly.
Now I have a number 1 next to the envelope at the top of the panel which I presume is a message from somebody but I can't select it.
I've read the user guides and looked in the game options but can't figure it out.

Can I get some help please?

 

[Shaele]

Look in options / mode switches / autofocus on text field - turn that off and you will be able to easily access the menus in the comms panel

 

[X2Eliah]

If you want to keep the autofocus for normal use and access the top buttons rarely, then you press '2' and then 'esc' once, that should put you out of the textbox but not yet close the panel itself. Q & E should now work.

 

[Mariner123]

Thanks to everyone's help I have it working.