Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O powder was synthesized by the oxalate gel method. A sample with the composition of Bi1.7Pb0.4Sr1.6Ca2.4Cu3.6Oy was used in this study. After pyrolysis of the gel precursor at 500 degrees C for 5 h, the resulting powder was calcined at 850 degrees C for another 5 h. The black powder was pressed into pellets and sintered at 852 degrees C for 5 h. The high-T-c phase was formed more easily in the sample with excess calcium and copper than in the theoretical composition. (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy (above 90%) was prepared as above within a relatively short time. Characterization of (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy superconductor by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, resistivity measurement and magnetic measurement, is reported.